What started as a fun school tradition turned into a serious legal issue for a teenager in Indiana. A prank game that many students treat lightly ended up causing panic in a public place and led to police action. This incident shows how quickly things can go wrong when safety is not properly considered.
Teen Arrested After Prank Sparks Panic
Adrian Williams, an 18-year-old senior at Portage High School in Indiana, is now facing legal charges after taking part in a “senior assassin” prank. This game, popular among high school students, involves using water guns to “eliminate” assigned targets.
However, on April 10, 2026, the situation took a serious turn when police received multiple emergency calls about an armed person at a Planet Fitness parking lot in Portage. Since school was in session at the time, officers believed the threat could be real and responded immediately.
What Happened at the Scene
According to reports, callers told emergency services that a person was seen holding what looked like a gun. Witnesses said the individual was hiding the object and repeatedly taking it out, which made the situation appear suspicious and dangerous.
Police quickly arrived at the location with a large team that included several on-duty officers, off-duty officers, and a sheriff’s deputy. When they reached the scene, they found Williams sitting inside a car with what looked like a firearm.
Toy Gun Mistaken for Real Weapon
Officers later confirmed that the object was actually a water gun. However, it looked very similar to a real firearm. One officer mentioned in the report that he believed it was real until he got very close.
Because of how realistic the toy looked and the way it was being handled, police treated the situation as a serious threat. Williams was arrested on the spot and charged with felony intimidation.
Teen Explains It Was a Game
While being taken into custody, Williams told officers that he was simply playing the senior assassin game. He said his intended target was inside the gym at the time.
Police acknowledged that the game has been played by students in the area for years. However, they also pointed out that it has caused problems before, including incidents involving reckless driving, road rage, and even reports of carjacking.
Police Issue Safety Warning
Authorities did not completely discourage students from playing the game, but they strongly advised making it safer. They suggested using brightly coloured water guns that cannot be mistaken for real weapons.
Officials also reminded students that they have a responsibility to behave in a way that does not create fear or panic in the community. Situations like this can easily lead to dangerous misunderstandings.
Mother Speaks Out
Williams’ mother, Tiffany May, expressed her concern about the incident. She said it was a traumatic experience for her son and the family. She also pointed out that many other students participate in the same game, but her son ended up facing serious consequences.
She described him as a bright student with a promising future. According to her, he has received scholarships for both academics and football. She was worried that this incident could affect those opportunities.
However, she later shared that Saint Xavier University in Chicago, where her son had received a full scholarship, assured them that this situation would not impact his admission.
Teen Shares His Experience
Williams also spoke about the incident and said it was a frightening moment for him. He recalled that several officers had their guns pointed at him, which made him feel like his life was in danger.
He spent three days in the Porter County Jail after the arrest. His court hearing is scheduled for April 22, where the legal process will continue.
