Upper Gwynedd Police Warn Of Local Teens Playing 'Assassin' Game

UPPER GWYNEDD, PA — Police in Upper Gwynedd have issued a warning to the public, noting that local teens have begun playing a controversial game known as "Assassin."

Players are given another player as a target, and the goal is to "assassinate" that player using some type of object — in this case, local police said, the objects include silly string or water guns. Toys like foam dart guns are also used.

The students stalk each other outside of school grounds, including hiding in bushes outside each other's homes waiting for them to come outside, police said.

Often students use private property to hide, which leads to confusion from property owners when they find children there, police said.

Here's how a police department in Pleasanton, California described the potential risks:

"When viewed through a non-participant's eyes, these behaviors look as though an actual threatening or violent event is unfolding. These 'assassinations' often prompt multiple calls to police who respond to what they believe is a violent incident in progress. Not only does this consume significant time and resources of emergency personnel, but it also jeopardizes the safety of our community when actual threats cannot be addressed in a timely manner. Furthermore, non-participants can feel frightened or threatened because they are not aware a game is being played. When a frightened or threatened community member feels they need to protect his or her family, a violent response to a player is quite possible."

"Please, if you see someone on your property that should not be there, you are asked to call police immediately. Do not approach them," Upper Gwynedd said in their warning.

They also urged parents to talk to their children regarding hazards involving the game.