Cody Alcorn
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Award-winning journalist with 20 years of experience. Always looking for the scoop.
WARNING TO STUDENTS, PARENTS AFTER ‘SENIOR ASSASSIN’ PRANK LEADS TO ARREST
📍Cobb County Georgia
A popular high school senior prank turned dangerous in Cobb County after police said a teen pointed what appeared to be a rifle from a vehicle at another car during a game of “Senior Assassin.”
According to the Cobb County Police Department, an officer patrolling near Terrell Mill Road and Powers Ferry Road around 5:46 p.m. Monday spotted a passenger in a vehicle aiming what appeared to be a rifle toward another vehicle.
Officers quickly stopped both vehicles with assistance from the Marietta, Georgia Police Department and detained everyone involved while they determined what happened.
During the investigation, officers learned the people in the vehicles knew each other and were participating in the “Senior Assassin” game, a popular activity often played by high school seniors involving mock eliminations using water guns or toy weapons.
Investigators later determined the weapon involved was a black Orbeez-style toy rifle with a drum magazine that closely resembled a real firearm, police said.
As a result of the investigation, a 17-year-old was taken into custody and charged with reckless conduct.
Police used the incident to warn students and parents about the dangers of using realistic-looking toy weapons in public.
“We understand games like ‘Senior Assassin’ have become popular, but this serves as an important reminder: pointing realistic-looking weapons at people or from vehicles is not harmless,” Cobb County police said in a statement.
Authorities said officers responding to these situations, as well as passing drivers and community members, have no way of knowing whether a weapon is real or fake.
“A game is not worth someone getting seriously injured or killed,” the department added.
5/19 UPDATE | The victim was identified as Joseph Williams, 37.
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10:49PM UPDATE | I just spoke to APD Captain Germain Dearlove on scene. He said this was a targeted attack.
Officers canvassing area for help from community and witnesses.
APD believes they have strong leads. Many people were out here when shooting happened.
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9:04PM UPDATE | APD said the victim died.
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A man was found shot in a wrecked vehicle on Joseph E Boone Boulevard NW in Vine City in Atlanta a short time ago.
As of 8:30 PM, the road is closed between Vine Street and Walnut Street.
A witness told me it appeared the driver tried to avoid a dog in the road when he lost control and crashed.
No word on the victim’s condition.
City of Atlanta Police Department said it’s believed the shooting happened on Thurmond.
Detectives are still arriving on scene.
05/18/2026
4:33PM UPDATE | Blackwood is in CUSTODY.
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4:03PM UPDATE | Suspect identified as Donovan Sloan Blackwood. He's still on the run.
The sheriff's office said Blackwood should be treated as armed and dangerous.
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Search is underway after a shooting in 100 block of Everest in Inman, South Carolina. No details on victim's condition. Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office is on scene.
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