Full Notification

The Cloquet Police Department is aware that another “Nerf War” event has started. Many consider “Nerf Wars” a competitive sport or activity involving Nerf Blasters or other foam-firing toy weapons. The object of the game is to eliminate the other players or teams by “killing” them by “shooting” them with a Nerf dart.
 
The Cloquet Police Department urges all participants to use common sense when participating in these types of games, keeping in mind that many citizens in the community are unaware of these events.
 
Players who chase another player into businesses or other familiar places in the community while drawing, pointing and firing a dart from a toy gun at another player may cause alarm. This action may produce unexpected reactions by others, including a call for police response.
 
Distracted driving is a major factor in motor vehicle crashes, especially among younger drivers. The Cloquet Police Department urges players to practice safe driving at all times. Players should refrain from playing while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Players caught violating traffic laws, including shooting or throwing objects from a motor vehicle, may be cited or arrested.
 
Other communities have reported players entering other players’ houses, unannounced and unplanned, to shoot the player while they were sleeping. This behavior presents significant risks as other family members may be unaware of such a game occurring, and many own [real] guns for protections from burglaries or other crimes. Not only could the action be unlawful but the act could also trigger an unintended response from someone inside the house or by law enforcement. If you are stopped or confronted by law enforcement, you should keep your hands visible and not make any sudden movements that may cause the officer to believe you are reaching for a weapon that could harm them.
 
As innocent as these games may be, we encourage parents to talk with their children about the dangers associated with these types of activities. It is the goal of the Cloquet Police Department to spread public awareness and safety to all members of our community.
 
The Cloquet Police Department has been in contact with the event coordinators and has communicated via Twitter, our safety recommendations and legal expectations to all the participants.
 
More information from the Cloquet Police Department can be found on our social media sites at www.facebook.com/cloquetpolicemn and www.twitter.com/cloquetpolicemn or by texting 55720 to 888777 on your mobile phone.