The Burbs (Sponsor: North End Motor Sales)

Teens playing senior game mistaken for suspects with real guns

  • Posted by The Burbs (Sponsor: North End Motor Sales) May 5, 2024 - Filed in News - #Auburn  #guns  #Auburn Police Department  #fake guns  - 1,469 views


    Auburn Police Department photos (Facebook) 

    AUBURN — What began as a routine response to a report of a firearm sighting turned into a cautionary tale about the resemblance between toys and real weapons, as Auburn Police Department officers encountered 2 teens engaged in a game of Senior Assassin.

    The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon shortly after 2 when the Auburn police received a call from a concerned citizen at a local business. The caller reported seeing a man brandishing what appeared to be a gun inside a vehicle. Officers were promptly dispatched to the scene.

    As officers raced to the location, the situation escalated when the caller updated that the individual had stepped out of the vehicle, still wielding the alleged gun. The suspect then reportedly fled the scene in a specific vehicle.

    Officers swiftly located the vehicle traveling along Church Street and initiated a motor vehicle stop. However, what they found inside was far from what they expected. A pair of young men, the occupants of the vehicle, were cooperative and polite as they were briefly detained for questioning.

    Upon closer examination, it became apparent that the supposed "handgun" was, in fact, a replica water pistol. The teens explained that they were playing a game akin to tag known as Senior Assassin. Notably, these teens were not students of Auburn High School.

    Realizing the potential danger of the situation, officers engaged with the teens' parents and emphasized the importance of using less realistic water guns for such games. A photo of the water pistol, alongside images of actual firearms bearing striking resemblance, served as a stark reminder of the gravity of the situation.

    The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and awareness, especially in a society where the line between reality and imitation can blur all too easily. As the community reflects on this near-miss, the Auburn PD urges continued caution and communication among parents and teens alike.

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