Police Officer Nearly Shoots Teen After Mistaking Squirt Gun For Real Threat

A police officer nearly shot a high school student during a “water wars” game after mistaking a squirt gun for a real weapon in a late-night incident that authorities say could have turned deadly.

According to body camera footage, the officer was responding to reports of suspicious activity in a neighborhood when he discovered an unattended vehicle. After running the license plate and speaking with nearby residents—none of whom recognized the car—he began to suspect a possible burglary.

While continuing the investigation, a student suddenly jumped out and sprayed the officer with a water gun. The officer reacted by drawing his firearm before quickly realizing the student was not a threat.

Police Chief Jay Rendon said the situation shows how easily the game can escalate into dangerous misunderstandings, especially when played in public or at night.

He added that police are not trying to ban the activity but are urging students to use caution and ensure water guns do not resemble real firearms.

Rendon also credited the officer’s training for how the incident was handled, saying it helped prevent a tragic outcome.

School officials later expressed concern that similar events could result in serious harm, while also thanking the officer for correctly identifying the student was not a threat.

In the footage, the student can be heard apologizing, and the officer responds: “You are a very lucky guy.”