Kids In Ski Masks Playing 'Assassin' Draw Warning From Wyckoff Police

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — After police got reports of masked kids with guns prowling around Franklin Lakes last week, law enforcement officials from that town and nearby Wyckoff responded. Wyckoff police followed up with a stern message for parents and residents last week.

They were among many law enforcement agencies around the country that have had to warn residents about graduating high school seniors playing the "Senior Assassin Game," which has recently resulted in police calls and in some cases, shootings.

Wyckoff police posted on social media earlier this week: “In light of a recent incident involving local juveniles participating in the 'Senior Assassin' game, I would be remiss if I did not once again address the serious dangers associated with this activity.

"Approximately 24 hours ago, under low-light conditions, personnel from the Franklin Lakes Police Department were dispatched to investigate a report of multiple suspicious males in the roadway wearing ski masks. Upon arrival, officers observed juveniles matching the description provided by the caller, carrying water pistols that closely resembled real firearms. The water pistols exhibited very few subtle delineating markings which were only identifiable upon further investigation."

Police added, "While the juveniles cooperated fully and helped bring the situation to a safe conclusion, the risks posed to themselves, the general public, and responding officers were significant and cannot be understated. Calls involving suspicious activity or potential weapons are treated with the utmost seriousness ... Officers respond forthwith utilizing lights and sirens, increasing the risk of injury to themselves and the motoring public. These activities distract from proactive policing and could potentially cause delay in our response to actual emergencies."

"I am urging the senior classes of both Ramapo and Indian Hills High Schools to exercise sound judgment and common sense before participating in any game or activity that could endanger lives, including their own. Avoiding a potential tragedy must be our top priority."

The two high schools serve three towns in Bergen County: Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, and Oakland.

The previous week, police in Mahwah made a similar announcement after responding to "several" calls about people with guns. READ MORE: Police In Mahwah Issue Warning After Report Of Kids With Guns

And Glen Rock police urged parents to talk with their kids this time last year: Talk To Your Kids About 'Senior Assassin' Prank, Glen Rock Police Plead

"I also ask that parents have candid conversations with their children and strongly discourage this type of behavior," wrote the Wyckoff police. "This is a time of celebration for our graduating seniors—a moment to reflect on their accomplishments and look ahead to the future. We, along with our neighboring communities and police departments, wish them nothing but success and safety in the days ahead.”

Teens Seriously Injured Across The Country

The senior game involves trying to hit an assigned target, and then that person's target, until everyone is out except the last person standing.

The trend, also known as "The Assassination Game" (TAG) or "Killer," began in the early 1980s. Kids sometimes used a rolled-up sock or paint gun to "assassinate" classmates n high school halls or college campuses, in the days before the rise of school shootings.

Two movies in the mid-1980s, Gotcha and TAG: The Assassination Game, reflected the pastime's popularity.

Some parents and police in North Jersey have said that the game is no longer appropriate, and it has also led to accidental shootings.

CBS News reported last week that a student in Arlington, Texas is on life support after jumping onto a moving Jeep while playing. He fell and hit his head, according to the report.

In Florida in February, police shot a young player who was mistaken for a home invader, local media reported.

And in Utah this month, a teen was arrested and faces a charge of threat of terrorism after he ran through a hospital with a Nerf gun while playing the game, reported ABC. Reports said he chased his friend into the building.

PRIOR REPORTING: 'We Do Not Condone This Game,' Say Police In Livingston