As we all know, seniors in high school love to kick up their heels as their 12th grade education comes to an end. The arrival of spring adds to the overall atmosphere of lively mischief. The pranks and hijinks seniors indulge in are usually harmless. However, for one teen in Indiana, the fun led to some really serious consequences.
Videos by Wide Open Country
A Person Outside Planet Fitness Seemed Suspicious
Per People, on Friday, April 10, there was a scare at a Planet Fitness in the community of Portage. Early that afternoon, a 911 caller reportedly said a person outside that gym seemed to be armed with a weapon. That individual was possibly "waiting for someone to come out," per the outlet quoting from radio traffic.
According to the Portage Police Department's
Facebook page, the suspect was described on radio traffic as anxious and was apparently attempting to conceal himself. It seemed as if an active shooter situation might be imminent.Police Raced to the Scene in Full Force
Per Facebook, the Portage police arrived in large numbers. "This incident resulted in all ten on-duty PPD patrol officers, two off-duty PPD officers, and one on-duty Porter County Sheriff's Deputy responding to the scene," the post stated. Their flashing lights were on and their sirens were blaring.
Although the situation appeared very frightening, it turned out to be merely a game. The suspect, Adrian Williams, 18, was eventually found in his vehicle. He informed the officers that he was playing a game called Senior Assassin. The weapon he had was actually a realistic-looking water gun.
The Facebook account explains that the incident took place during the school day. Police reportedly knew that Senior Assassin was being played by students. (The aim is to "shoot" an intended target with a water gun in a specified time frame.) However, because this situation unfolded during school hours, officers understandably thought it was "a genuine emergency."
Students Are Urged To Be Careful and Responsible When Playing Senior Assassin
For Adrian Williams, there were repercussions. He was charged with felony Intimidation and taken to jail. As for the game of Senior Assassin, it has allegedly led some young people in Portage to behave impulsively and carelessly. The Portage PD Facebook post states, "Unfortunately, we have previously had to respond to reports of Reckless Driving, Road Rage, and Carjacking, which were also associated with this game."
The post does acknowledge that many students play Senior Assassin responsibly. But "there are outliers who have caused fear and panic." Those who participate in Senior Assassin were exhorted in the post to do so with caution and respect for others. In fact, they should also always act in accordance with the law.
