On Tuesday, March 17, at approximately 8:20 a.m., Troutman Police officers were dispatched to a convenience store located at 605 N. Main Street in reference to a report of a subject armed with a pistol who allegedly pointed it at two teenagers inside the store.
Upon arrival, officers determined that both the suspect and the teenagers had already left the scene. The suspect was described as driving a white dually truck.
After receiving this information, School Resource Officers at South Iredell High School observed a vehicle matching the description in the school parking lot. As a precaution, the school was immediately placed on lockdown while officers responded and conducted an investigation.
Officers located the driver of the vehicle, a student at the school, inside a classroom. The individual, identified as Arkady Mueller, 18, of Mooresville, was detained without incident. During the investigation, Mueller stated he had been participating in a social media game known as “Senior Assassin,” and that the weapon involved was a water gun.
The water gun was recovered from Mueller’s vehicle and was found to closely resemble a real firearm. Once officers confirmed there was no active threat to students or staff, the lockdown was lifted.
Due to the disruption caused by this incident, Mueller was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct – Disrupting an Educational Institution. He was issued a $5,000 secured bond by a magistrate.
While this incident stemmed from a game, Troutman Police Department and the administration of South Iredell High School strongly discourage participation in “Senior Assassin,” both on and off campus. Activities of this nature can create significant public alarm and may be perceived as a real threat, potentially leading to serious or life-threatening consequences.
Troutman Police Department