Full Breakdown
Indiana Teen Charged Following Misunderstood Water Gun Incident
4/17/2026, 5:27:25 AM
Incident Overview: Misinterpretation Leads to Felony Charge
On Friday, April 14, 2023, an 18-year-old high school senior, Adrian Williams, was charged with felony intimidation after a toy water gun incident in Portage, Indiana, was mistaken for a real threat. The event unfolded at a Planet Fitness parking lot on U.S. Highway 6, where Williams was participating in a game known as "Senior Assassin," which involves students targeting each other with water guns. Multiple 911 calls reported a suspicious individual armed with what appeared to be a firearm, prompting a significant police response.
Police Response and Charges
The Portage Police Department dispatched thirteen officers, including ten on-duty officers, two off-duty officers, and a sheriff's deputy, to the scene. Upon arrival, they found Williams in his vehicle with the toy water gun, which was described as having a realistic appearance, including an extended magazine. Police stated that the emergency response was necessary due to the potential risk posed during school hours, as local schools were in session at the time. Williams was arrested and spent three days in jail before being charged with felony intimidation.
Background on "Senior Assassin"
The "Senior Assassin" game has been a tradition among high school seniors in the area for several years. Participants are assigned targets to "eliminate" by squirting them with water guns, creating a chain of elimination. While the game is intended for fun, the police noted that previous incidents related to it have included reckless driving and road rage. In light of this incident, police have urged students to use brightly colored water guns to avoid confusion with real firearms.
Community Reactions
Williams' mother described him as an honor roll student and a football player with a full scholarship to St. Xavier University, which has confirmed that his financial aid remains intact despite the charges. Community members have expressed mixed feelings about the incident. Some believe that while the water gun may have appeared suspicious, the charges against Williams are excessive. One local parent remarked, "In today's world, you can't really joke around at all," highlighting the heightened sensitivity surrounding perceived threats.
Official Statements and Responses
The Portage Police Department emphasized the importance of conducting oneself safely and lawfully, stating, "It is ultimately the duty of the young adults who engage in this game to conduct themselves in a safe, lawful manner that does not cause fear and panic within our community." Williams is scheduled to appear in court on April 22, 2023.
Verbatim Quotes
- "When I say I've never felt like I've been closer to death than Friday, I really mean it. I mean there's about 4 or 5 guns pointed at me." — Adrian Williams
- "This emergency response put the officers and the community at unnecessary risk as well as delayed responses to three other calls for service occurring simultaneously in the city." — Portage Police Department spokesperson
Conclusion
The incident involving Adrian Williams serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of seemingly harmless games in a climate of heightened awareness regarding public safety. As the community grapples with the implications of this event, it underscores the need for clear communication and understanding among students, parents, and law enforcement.
