Police voice concern of Nerf gun wars following shooting near Joe Mixon’s home

CENTERVILLE — Deputies in Cincinnati are still investigating a shooting that happened near Bengals Running Back Joe Mixon’s home.

A minor was shot and taken to the hospital close to his house during a Nerf gun war.

>>PHOTOS: Police voice concern of Nerf gun wars

News Center 7′s Kayla McDermott spoke with police and asked if Nerf gun wars are safe.

In Kettering, they have not seen these Nerf wars happening but in other neighborhoods, police are. They want everyone to stay safe.

It’s the time of year when high schoolers begin having Nerf Gun wars. They shoot at one another with the toy and spread this game throughout neighborhoods.

“We know there’s a group organizing this year’s right now,” said Officer John Davis, Centerville Police Department. “The Centerville Police Department would prefer that this not happened at all.”

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Davis told McDermott this game can be dangerous.

“I’ve seen kids jumping into moving vehicles to avoid being shot by Nerf guns,” he said.

Davis fears something similar happening here that happened near Bengals running back Joe Mixon’s property.

“Our big fear is that someone’s going to be misconstrued as a shooter,” he told McDermott.

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He said the Nerf gun wars also cause disruptions as kids strip down to be safe from getting shot.

“People are reporting naked kids running around their neighborhoods,” said Davis. “So, there’s just so many things that the rest of the public doesn’t know.”

He told McDermott the wars have been happening for years and does not see it changing anytime soon.

“The way it’s currently set up, we don’t see a safe way to do this,” said Davis.”

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But the Freedom Fun Store in Miamisburg does have a safe way to play. They bring the war to your yard.

“We could just supply all the Nerf guns as well and all the Nerf darts, too, that they need,” said Tim Masters, Founder of Freedom Fun USA. “And even if they want, our coaches will concierge event.”

Davis thinks this is a good idea.

“The idea that you could have a controlled environment, that might be one thing,” he said.

McDermott says, according to Davis, anyone who breaks the law during these Nerf gun wars will be charged.

“Nudity, traffic violations, you know, trespassing, all those different things,” he said. “Zero Tolerance. Nerf Wars is not an excuse.”

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Middletown Police have also issued a warning on social media about Nerf Wars and encourage people to be smart.

“We want you to have fun, we really do, but please be respectful of other people’s property,” the department said on its Facebook Page. “Do not run or drive through yards or park in driveways of those who are not participating.”

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