Indiana Teen Charged After Police Say ‘Senior Assassin’ Game Prompted Active Shooter Scare at Planet Fitness

The Portage Police Department in Indiana faced a challenging situation recently when reports emerged of a teenager reportedly armed outside a local gym. On Friday, 10 April, officers responded to urgent 911 calls concerning an individual who appeared to be waiting menacingly outside the Planet Fitness facility on U.S. Highway 6.

According to police reports, the 911 caller described a young man who seemed anxious and was acting suspiciously outside the gym entrance. The caller stated that the suspect was brandishing a grey firearm with an extended magazine, leading to concerns over a possible active shooter scenario. In response, a substantial police presence was dispatched to the scene, comprising ten on-duty officers, two additional officers, and a deputy from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, officers located Adrian Williams, an 18-year-old, seated in a vehicle. Following questioning, Williams explained that he was engaged in a game known as “Senior Assassin,” and that the weapon in question was merely a water gun. As officers approached, they were able to discern that what was initially perceived as a genuine firearm was in fact a toy, designed to resemble a gun during the playful activity.

The police department acknowledged that while they were aware of the ongoing game in the community, the timing of the call during school hours amplified the urgency of the response. The gravity of the situation escalated in light of the conflicting reports relayed by dispatchers, who described Williams as acting nervously and hiding near the gym’s entrance.

Portage Police later stated that the incident created an unnecessary risk for both officers and the public, with their intense response potentially hindering assistance to three other active incidents occurring at that time. The department issued a subsequent statement, drawing attention to the broader implications of activities like “Senior Assassin,” which have caused distress in the past, including reckless driving, road rage, and even carjacking incidents.

In light of the circumstances, law enforcement took the decision to press charges against Williams, with a felony intimidation charge being authorised by the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office. Following the charge, Williams was taken into custody and transported to the Porter County Jail.

This event follows a worrying trend regarding the “Senior Assassin” game, as it has been linked to previous incidents of injury and reckless behaviour. In a notable case in Texas in 2025, a young player sustained serious injuries when he fell off a vehicle while participating in a similar game, highlighting the potential dangers associated with what some view as harmless fun.

The Portage Police Department stressed the importance of maintaining safety and awareness within the community, emphasising that while many students play such games with caution, incidents like the one at Planet Fitness showcase the need for responsible behaviour to prevent panic and confusion.

As the investigation progresses, local law enforcement continues to encourage open dialogue with community members about the implications of these games and the need for vigilance in ensuring safety for everyone. With the incident still fresh in the minds of residents, the department remains committed to preventing similar occurrences in the future.