Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police warn Brighton seniors' 'water wars' start tonight; officers urge safety
Summary
The chief of police told council the unsanctioned 'water wars' among high school seniors begin at midnight and urged residents and participants to act safely to avoid escalation and avoid dangerous responses from bystanders.
Brighton Police Chief Brockton told council on April 22 that Brighton High School seniors' annual unsanctioned “water wars” event begins at midnight and that officers have provided guidance to students about acceptable conduct and safe equipment.
Why the police issued a warning: The chief said the event is not sanctioned by the school; seniors form teams and use squirt guns in elimination rounds. Last Friday, an off‑campus incident prompted a “man with a gun” dispatch after one senior chased another through a Target parking lot; the suspect was a student from a different district according to the chief. The department asked participants and residents to avoid actions that could endanger bystanders or officers, and reminded that citations or other enforcement could follow if behavior escalates.
What officials said: Chief Brockton asked parents and community members to be mindful and reminded participants they are mostly 17–18 and that officers will respond to protect public safety: "We do not want anybody being hurt... and please don't put my officers' lives at danger responding to things that aren't what they are." He also said the school resource officer has discussed acceptable and unacceptable behavior with seniors.
Ending: The chief encouraged participants to "have fun, be mindful, stay safe" and cautioned that police will intervene if actions put people at risk.
