SAUK RAPIDS, Minn. (WCCO) – A 16-year-old boy from central Minnesota is recovering after police say he was run over by a friend’s car.
The Sauk Rapids Police Department says the teens were playing the popular “Nerf Wars” game on Saturday afternoon in nearby Rice.
With each spring, comes an annual tradition.
Ayanna Churcher, a senior at Roseville Area High School, will be playing senior assassin in this year’s Nerf Wars.
It’s a game played across the country; teams use toy Nerf guns to shoot each other out until only one group is left to win a cash prize.
“I’ve been watching it the past three years,” Churcher said. “I’m so excited to play!”
Schools are not involved in organizing Nerf Wars. The game is completely student-run with the prizes coming from pooled money. The rules are made and enforced by the players.
“You can’t be killed at school, you can’t be killed in a vehicle, moving or standstill. Just no cars allowed,” Churcher described.
Still, every year, law enforcement agencies issue warnings about the risks involved.
From speeding vehicles to trespassing and confused 911 calls from neighbors, some agencies recommend students don’t play at all.
The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office says for those who are playing, don’t trespass on other peoples’ properties, use brightly-colored water or Nerf guns that are clearly toys, avoid hiding in dark areas or carrying anything that could look like a real weapon, skip dark clothing or camouflage and masks that could cause confusion, and do not run or hide if law enforcement is seen.
“On TikTok, you see people hiding in peoples’ cars and you get them,” Alondra lagunas said.
lagunas is a sophomore at Apple Valley High School.
“Me and my friends already made a plan for us and our team once we get to our senior year,” lagunas remarked.
Churcher says her friend group helped organize this year’s game, and they’re committed to playing safely and responsibly.
“Someone is always not going to like teenagers playing games, but I think the tradition should keep going because it’s just fun,” Churcher added.
Sauk Rapids police say some of the activities in the Nerf Wars could be considered, at minimum, a crime of disorderly conduct.
They are asking parents to encourage their children to stop playing.
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