Indiana Teen Charged With Felony After Water Gun Mistaken for Real Firearm
An 18-year-old high school senior in Portage, Indiana, was arrested and charged with felony intimidation after police mistook his toy water gun for a real firearm. The incident occurred during a traditional "senior assassins" game when the teen was waiting for his target outside a Planet Fitness gym. Multiple 911 callers reported seeing an individual armed with a weapon featuring an extended magazine, prompting a significant police response involving thirteen officers due to nearby schools being in session. Although the item was identified as a realistic-looking water gun marketed to children, authorities stated the emergency response put the community at unnecessary risk and delayed other services. Adrian Williams, described by his mother as an honor roll student and athlete, spent three days in jail before his release. Despite the charges, St. Xavier University confirmed his scholarship remains secure. The Portage Police Department highlighted that such games have previously led to reports of reckless driving and carjacking. Williams is scheduled to appear in court on April 22, while public reaction has been mixed, with some supporters arguing the charge was excessive given the context of the well-known local tradition.
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Indiana Teen Charged With Felony After Water Gun Mistaken for Real Firearm
An 18-year-old high school senior in Portage, Indiana, was arrested and charged with felony intimidation after police mistook his toy water gun for a real firearm. The incident occurred during a traditional "senior assassins" game when the teen was waiting for his target outside a Planet Fitness gym. Multiple 911 callers reported seeing an individual armed with a weapon featuring an extended magazine, prompting a significant police response involving thirteen officers due to nearby schools being in session. Although the item was identified as a realistic-looking water gun marketed to children, authorities stated the emergency response put the community at unnecessary risk and delayed other services. Adrian Williams, described by his mother as an honor roll student and athlete, spent three days in jail before his release. Despite the charges, St. Xavier University confirmed his scholarship remains secure. The Portage Police Department highlighted that such games have previously led to reports of reckless driving and carjacking. Williams is scheduled to appear in court on April 22, while public reaction has been mixed, with some supporters arguing the charge was excessive given the context of the well-known local tradition.
The Independent World