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A Hampton Bays teen who was seen carrying a toy gun near the Hampton Bays High School as part of a nationally popular game, “Senior Assassin,” sparked calls to police and a search for what was feared to be an armed individual.
Police were called at about 7:20 a.m. on Thursday morning to a report of a male teen seen getting out of a car with a “long gun” — a common police term for a shotgun or rifle — near the high school, then getting back into the car.
The high school was placed on lockdown as a precaution, Southampton Town Police said, while officers searched for the vehicle described by the witness.
After an extensive search, the vehicle and teenager were located and the gun was determined to be a toy prop for the game that simulates “assassination” of a friend using a squirt gun.
The school convened an assembly with Southampton Town Police officers to discuss the dangers of brandishing toy guns that could be mistaken for real weapons in public.
“We encourage all parents and guardians to have a conversation with your children regarding the potential risks associated with this game,” Southampton Town Police Sergeant Gina LaFerrera said in a statement released by the department. “Thank you to the Hampton Bays School District for assisting with this investigation and helping to keep our community safe.”
