'Senior Assassin Challenge' Spurs Warning In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin County deputies are sharing a few words of caution for high school students after fielding reports of a person with a gun Tuesday.

Investigators responding to the call in Southern Marin determined it was the result of the "senior assassin challenge," where students shoot toy water guns at one another.

The problem, officials said, was the water gun looked too similar to a handgun, falling under a statute that bars the display of an imitation firearm. While the infraction itself is minor, officials warned someone mistaking a toy gun for a real one could lead to serious — or even deadly — consequences.

Authorities across the nation have reported similar incidents in recent days.

"Nationwide, it appears various police agencies are encountering juveniles displaying toy water guns in public places which resemble real firearms, many of which have been connected to this 'Senior Assassin Challenge,'" the sheriff's office said Wednesday. "Please inform your children [of] the dangers of this and the seriousness of this type of behavior. There are many other ways to spend time pulling pranks and having fun in your senior year than using imitation firearms."