Wake County seniors play Senior Water Wars, drawing safety warnings from police

Wake County seniors are turning Senior Water Wars into a countywide chase with water guns, water balloons and buckets, but police say the game is spilling into places it should not be, from school property to neighborhood streets.

At Holly Springs, principal Gary Duvall warned that the game is not allowed during school hours or school activities and could cost students senior privileges, including access to senior events and graduation ceremonies. The message comes as the prank has gained traction locally under the Senior Water Wars name, with players earning points by spraying as many participating seniors as possible.

Police departments in Holly Springs and Cary have both issued warnings as the game has pushed teens into parking lots, bushes and other hiding spots around the community. Officers said the setup can create confusion for drivers, homeowners and bystanders, especially when participants are lying in wait. Holly Springs police also noted that some of the water guns used resemble real firearms, raising the risk of dangerous misunderstandings.

Wake County Public School System officials have said the game has led to numerous incidents around the county involving trespassing and reckless driving. That is where the line shifts from a senior prank to possible criminal conduct, especially when students enter private property, block traffic or chase targets through neighborhoods and business lots.

Similar problems have shown up beyond Wake County. In Union County, Sheriff Eddie Cathey said deputies responded to multiple incidents in Weddington, Waxhaw and Wesley Chapel, including at least 12 calls in one week. Deputies described teens in dark clothing and masks hiding near homes and businesses, a pattern that deepens fear among residents who may not know whether the people outside are playing a game or committing a crime.

The risk also became real in Troutman, where an apparent senior-assassin-related incident prompted a school lockdown after an 18-year-old allegedly pointed what appeared to be a pistol at two teenagers inside a convenience store. That case led to a disorderly conduct charge and a $5,000 bond.

The warnings mirror concerns raised in Northern Virginia, where school leaders told parents that toy guns can be mistaken for real weapons in tense moments. Students there described the game as a tradition with a cash prize, and some said players pay a weekly fee to stay in. In Wake County, the message from schools and police is far more urgent: one splash too far can bring discipline, police calls or criminal charges.