Two Halton Hills youths face charges after playing ‘assassins game’

Ontario | Halton | Halton Hills | Crime | Police |

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Published May 2, 2024 at 1:47 pm

assassins game halton hills police

Two youths from Halton Hills are facing charges after a spate of ‘assassins game’ reports inundated Halton police.

And although police acknowledge it’s a game, they warn participants may continue to face criminal charges.

“We recognize the vast majority of these cases involve young people playing and no harm is intended,” said Staff-Sgt. Ryan Snow of the Regional Community Mobilization Bureau.

“In saying this, these activities are resulting in unintended consequences that place participants, members of the community, and first responders at risk.

“The Halton Regional Police Service encourages youth to think carefully, to make good decisions, and to understand their participation in this game can result in criminal charges. Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about how their actions can affect others.”

The game involves high school students hunting or “assassinating” one another with water or Nerf-style guns. The “assassinations” can take place in a variety of settings, in public, and during daylight and evening hours. Some of the guns used have resembled real firearms. In many instances, observers – unaware the game is being played – have contacted police.

Notwithstanding the fear and elevated emergency response the game can cause, there is the potential for those who participate in it to face a number of consequences – up to and including criminal charges, police said.

In the past day alone, Halton police have responded to four calls related to the game, one of which resulted in charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose being laid against two Georgetown youth.

To ensure the safety of members of the public and to eliminate the risk of an unnecessary and serious encounter with officers, the HRPS discourages youth from participating in this game and encourages parents to speak to their children about its far-reaching, associated risks.

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