Woodbury Police Chief Lee Vague​: 'Nerf Wars' Can Turn Tragic

WOODBURY, MN — You may be aware the "Nerf Wars" have started for many area high schools, public and private alike. Woodbury Police Chief Lee Vague is urging parents to talk with kids regarding their participation.

"On the surface, it seems like an innocent and fun game, but certain behaviors associated with the game continue to cause major public safety concern that could have serious and potentially life-altering consequences," Vague said in a letter.

Read Vague's entire statement below:

This spring already, police have fielded numerous concerns and complaints from neighbors, drivers, and business owners. They have responded to calls that include damage to property, reckless driving, suspicious activity, and disorderly conduct within neighborhoods and businesses.

Many of the players get so focused on the game that they drive recklessly, forget to buckle up, and don’t obey traffic laws. Game players commonly hop in-and-out of vehicles, shoot from moving vehicles and enter homes (sometimes without permission) to "take out" an opponent. In addition, anyone noticed running through a yard, or in a car with a "firearm" may be interpreted as a very real threat by another person.

We urge our young community members to be safe, discontinue the use of vehicles as part of this game, be respectful to other residents, guests, and businesses and don’t let what could be a fun activity, turn tragic.

Woodbury Police will do their part by enforcing all laws and ordinances in an effort to keep our community safe. As a community let's work together to keep our kids safe.

Image via Helgi Halldórsson, Flickr, used under Creative Commons