'Senior Assassin' Student Games Are Underway; Don't Be Reckless, Police Say

POINT PLEASANT and POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — Students armed with a squirt guns are lurking behind bushes and ambushing each other in public, part of the annual "Senior Assassin" game played in some Ocean County towns.

In Point Pleasant and Point Pleasant Beach, police are urging the participants to not be reckless as they go about the game.

"We understand that this is a long-standing tradition among seniors," the police departments in both towns said. "However, the Police Department does NOT condone unsafe reckless behavior. We encourage all participants and their parents to prioritize safety and use good judgment during this game."

Senior Assassin is a student-organized activity and is not affiliated with either of the high schools or the school districts.

In the game, seniors are assigned targets — other participating seniors — who they must "eliminate" using water guns.

"As part of the game, students may be seen waiting in parked vehicles, chasing one another in neighborhoods, or attempting to surprise their targets," police said. "While school grounds and sporting events are considered off-limits, public areas, residential neighborhoods, and businesses are not."

Residents who see suspicious activity should call the police department and not intervene, police said. "Do not approach or confront individuals. Instead, please call our department so officers can respond and ensure everybody's safety."

Point Pleasant police can be reached at 732-892-0060; Point Pleasant Beach police can be reached at 732-892-0500.

Police offered these safety reminders for the seniors participating in the game and their families:

1. DO NOT TRESPASS, especially at night. If asked to leave a property, do so immediately and respectfully.

2. ONLY USE BRIGHTLY COLORED OR TRANSPARENT WATER GUNS to avoid them being mistaken for real weapons, which can lead to serious consequences.

3. IF APPROACHED BY POLICE, do not run or hide. Officers are aware of your game; cooperate and explain your participation.

4. DRIVE RESPONSIBLY. Do not engage in unsafe driving to pursue a target. Obey all driving laws, including curfews and passenger restrictions for provisional license holders.