UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Sheriff Eddie Cathey is urging parents to intervene after deputies responded to multiple incidents involving high school students playing a dangerous viral game called “Senior Assassin” in the Weddington, Waxhaw, and Wesley Chapel areas.
The game involves students targeting their classmates by ambushing them with water guns, which often resemble real weapons, leading to confusion and potential danger. Deputies have received reports of teens wearing dark clothing and masks, acting suspiciously around homes and businesses.
“Parents, We Need Your Help! Please speak to your teens about the serious risks of this game,” Sheriff Cathey said. “Carrying water guns that resemble real weapons in public or private places can lead to confusion, fear, and dangerous situations.”
One of the most concerning incidents occurred late Wednesday night near Crane Road, where deputies were called to a home after two high school students, dressed in all black, were spotted hiding along the side of a house.
They were preparing to ambush and spray water on their classmate as she returned home and got out of her car.
Fortunately, deputies arrived first and intervened before the situation escalated.
The prank had trickled into Union County, where resident Stephen Stroud got a glimpse of it Wednesday night.
“I saw a car pull up. There was someone in here. The lights were off,” said Stroud. “I saw another car pull up and do the same thing.”
Stroud told Channel 9 that he lives off Crane Road in Waxhaw. He said what the individuals were wearing was off-putting.
“They’re in all black, and that’s what really spooked me,” Stroud explained. Then they walked up to that house, and they didn’t, like, knock on the door or anything like that. They were just kind of stalking around the perimeter.”
Stroud said his roommate even approached the individuals to see what was going on.
“He was like, ‘Hey, is everything okay?’ They’re like, ‘Yeah, we’re playing a game and stuff,’” Stroud elaborated.
But Stroud said he didn’t buy it and was already on the phone with the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
He would eventually learn it was two 17-year-old students.
“What we’re seeing is people making unsafe decisions,” said Lieutenant James Maye.
Maye told Channel 9 that the sheriff’s office has responded to at least 12 calls within the last week regarding the prank.
He said the reports of teens wearing dark clothing and acting suspiciously around homes and businesses could give someone the wrong idea.
“It only takes one person to pull their weapon if they think that there is a threat to life to turn this into just a tragedy,” said Maye.
Sheriff Cathey emphasized the importance of parents having open conversations with their children about the potential dangers and consequences of participating in this game. He highlighted the risk of such activities being misinterpreted as suspicious or criminal behavior, especially in communities where homeowners take security seriously and may be armed.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or criminal behavior to authorities immediately by calling 911. The sheriff’s office is working with the community to ensure safety and prevent any further incidents related to the game.
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