Franklin Police Tie Alarming 911 Calls to High School ‘Paranoia’ Game

Overview

• Franklin police said a report of a naked man with a gun and a separate shouting match were both linked to a student game called Paranoia.
• Officers carried out a high-risk traffic stop after the gun report and later confirmed no real firearm was involved.
• One person was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge connected to the incidents.
• Paranoia, also known as Water Wars, is a spring senior game where teams use water guns and some players go naked or shirtless, which can alarm bystanders.
• The police department and school district urged families to curb the activity because such 911 calls draw major responses and can jeopardize student eligibility, and some students said they would tone it down.