Game played by high school students across Massachusetts leads to Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon charge

A game being played by high school students across the state and across the country resulted in an arrest this week.

According to police, on Thursday, during the early afternoon hours, officers responded to the area of 300 Hampshire Street in Lawrence for a reported past assault and battery.

Three high school-aged minors told officers they were running as a group when they were targeted and shot at with what appeared to be BB-style projectiles. Two of the victims were struck, while one was able to avoid being hit. There were no serious injuries.

During the investigation, officers identified a local high school student as a suspect and recovered an Orbeez/gel projectile device believed to have been used in the incident. The suspect was taken into custody and is facing two counts of Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, along with one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Investigators determined the incident is linked to a student-organized game referred to as “Senior Assassin” played by graduating seniors throughout the Commonwealth and country, though the victims in this case do not appear to have been participants.

“Senior assassin” is not affiliated with or approved by local school districts and typically occurs off school grounds and after school hours.

The Lawrence Police Department continues to work closely with local school officials to ensure the safety of students and the community and remind all families and students while these activities may seem harmless, they can create dangerous situations and lead to serious legal consequences.