The Arlington Police Department announced Wednesday that no criminal charges will be filed in connection with an April 21 incident that left 17-year-old high school senior Isaac Leal critically injured while playing the viral game “Senior Assassin.”
Leal, a student at South Grand Prairie High School, suffered a severe head injury after falling from the back of a moving Jeep Wrangler during the game, which involves players using water guns to “eliminate” assigned targets.
According to police, Leal climbed onto the rear of the Jeep, driven by another student, as part of the game. The vehicle was traveling through a residential neighborhood near the 6500 block of Devine Drive when it hit a dip in the road, causing Leal to fall onto the pavement.
The driver stopped immediately and called 911, police said. Emergency services transported Leal to a local hospital, where he remains on life support.
Following an investigation with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, Arlington police found no evidence of reckless driving or intent to harm by the Jeep’s driver and that no criminal offense had occurred.
Leal’s family reported that the teen has shown signs of responsiveness, including leg movement on command, smiles, and tears.
“Our kid is a fighter,” said Jose Leal, Isaac’s father, CBS News Texas reported. “You know, basically, what I can say about my son — he’s never been a person to give up.”
The family is seeking a long-term care facility for Isaac’s continued treatment but remains hopeful for his recovery.
“Isaac’s supposed to be graduating May 25,” Jose Leal said, per CBS. “We’re hoping that he’s able to walk, be out of here before May 25. That’s what we’re hoping for. We’re asking God to deliver.”
The incident has prompted several North Texas school districts to issue warnings about the dangers of “Senior Assassin,” an unofficial tradition among high school seniors nationwide. Authorities highlighted the risks of actions like riding on moving vehicles and urged parents and students to discuss the hazards of viral trends.