09/14/2026
As our students prepare for Homecoming, build floats, and enjoy the traditions that come along with this time of year, the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office want everyone to have fun. However, we also need to address some concerning activities that have recently been brought to the attention of law enforcement.
We have received reports of students:
• Being placed or riding in vehicle trunks and the beds of pickups while vehicles are being driven.
• Riding in or on vehicles while drivers are operating recklessly.
• Shooting other students with Airsoft guns.
• Playing a game sometimes referred to as “kidnapped,” where students may be restrained, placed in a vehicle, and transported to another location.
• Causing damage to vehicles and other property involving Airsoft guns and other activities.
We understand that some will say, “Kids will be kids,” or “We did stupid things when we were young, too.” We understand that. Our agency isn’t trying to take the fun out of Homecoming or prevent students from making memories.
But there is a difference between having fun and putting someone’s safety or life at risk.
Putting someone in a trunk, transporting people in an unsafe manner, reckless driving, restraining someone against their will, or shooting someone with an Airsoft gun can result in serious injury. An Airsoft gun can also be mistaken for an actual firearm, potentially creating an extremely dangerous situation.
These aren’t just safety concerns. Depending on the circumstances, some of these actions may also result in traffic citations or criminal charges.
A prank that is funny for five minutes isn’t worth someone spending the night in an emergency room, facing criminal charges, or living with the consequences of a tragedy.
Parents and guardians, please talk with your children about what they are doing leading up to Homecoming. Know where they are, who they are with, and what activities they are participating in.
Students, enjoy Homecoming. Build your floats. Have fun with your friends. Make memories. But look out for each other and know when something has crossed the line from having fun to being dangerous.
We would much rather address this now than respond to a serious injury or tragedy later.
Let’s have safe week leading up to Homecoming, a great Homecoming celebration, and most importantly, a safe school year for all of our students.
Thanks
Sheriff B. Carver
