What started as a goofy water-gun showdown in Dearborn ended with torn-up lawns, a smashed car and three teenagers holding citations, according to police. The water-gun game, known locally as "water wars," escalated over the weekend into a confrontation that brought property damage and a crash when a driver tried to flee. Participants allegedly boxed in a vehicle whose occupants refused to play, and the driver reportedly drove over neighbors' lawns and struck another car while trying to get away. Dearborn police say the incident went well past harmless fun and the department is now investigating.
Police Account And Charges
Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin told CBS News Detroit that three teens were cited for careless driving and that two of them also face breach-of-peace charges. "I don't imagine that anyone's going to spend any jail time here," Shahin said, adding that the department does not want to criminalize young people even as their behavior escalates. Police said the group boxed in the other vehicle as it attempted to leave a driveway, and investigators are still reviewing the scene.
Water Wars Trend In Metro Detroit
The "water wars" or "senior assassin" game - where students use water guns to eliminate rivals, sometimes for cash - has prompted warnings from law enforcement and school districts across Southeast Michigan this spring. Coverage on ClickOnDetroit describes incidents ranging from trespassing and late-night ambushes to police responses after callers mistook toy guns for real weapons. Officers have said the combination of cars, private property, and realistic-looking toy guns can quickly turn a prank into something dangerous.
Legal Consequences
Police told CBS News Detroit that the breach-of-peace counts are misdemeanors. Michigan law and court opinions show such offenses can carry jail terms of up to about 90 days and fines in some circumstances, as reflected in a Michigan Court of Appeals opinion on Justia. Legal observers say even misdemeanor records can affect college and job prospects, and prosecutors can upgrade charges if investigators find evidence of reckless driving or property damage.
What Officials Are Urging Parents To Do
Police are asking families to talk with high school seniors about safer ways to mark the end of the school year and to avoid trespassing and driving stunts. Local departments advise keeping water guns visibly toy-like and staying off private property to prevent frightening confrontations, per WXYZ. Dearborn officers said the investigation remains active and that additional charges are possible as they review video and witness statements.
