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The Student Newspaper of MAST Academy, since 1991.
The Student News Site of MAST Academy

The Beacon

The Beacon

Officer draws gun on MAST senior hiding with water gun

Miami-Dade police gets involved after suspicious activity near MAST Academy related to “Senior Assassins” game
Miami-Dade+County+Police+Operations+Bureau+Officer+David+Carrero+Jr.+returns+his+weapon+to+his+holster+after+drawing+it+on+a+MAST+Academy+senior+in+the+parking+lot+across+from+the+school+on+Wed.%2C+Feb.+7%2C+2024.
Miami-Dade County Police Operations Bureau Officer David Carrero Jr. returns his weapon to his holster after drawing it on a MAST Academy senior in the parking lot across from the school on Wed., Feb. 7, 2024.

A Miami-Dade police officer drew his gun on a MAST Academy senior with a toy water pistol after an anonymous citizen reported a “suspicious man with a firearm hiding in the bushes” at the Biscayne Dog Friendly Beach across from MAST Academy on Wednesday.

It was revealed that the student was participating in a game called “Senior Assassins,” which is student-led and unaffiliated with MAST Academy. The student’s claim was affirmed by the operator of the game.

The student had what appeared to be a white and blue Glock semi-automatic weapon in his right hand at first glance. MDPD officer David Carrero Jr. drew his weapon and ordered the student to get to the ground, and the student complied.

According to a respondent from MDPD, the student was returned to MAST Academy by principal Dr. Collman-Perez and assistant principal Mr. Semararo.

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“The administration met with the affected students and contacted their parents. The affected students clearly understood the unfortunate ending that could have resulted from them engaging in a ‘game’ with water guns. This game is not endorsed or authorized by MAST Academy,” Collman-Perez told The Beacon.

“Senior Assassins” is a non-violent game played county-wide, wherein high school students compete in water gun fights for a cash prize. As a result of this incident, the game may no longer be played near campus. This includes the beach parking lot across from the campus.

 

MAST Academy principal Dr. Collman-Perez, assistant principal Semeraro and school resource officer Leacock speak with Miami-Dade Police officer David Carrero Jr. after Carrero drew his weapon on a MAST Academy student (not pictured).

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About the Contributor
Anthonie Page
Anthonie Page, Live Editor
Anthonie Page is a staff member for the MAST Academy student paper, The Beacon, based in Virginia Key. Part of the graduating class of 2024, this is Page’s 4th year at MAST Academy. When Page is not studying for his many AP classes or working on college applications, he enjoys writing and watching stand up comedy. Page is an active basketball player, and he spends his summers as a volunteer basketball coach for a youth basketball club. “I love playing basketball, and being a coach allows me to share the sport I love with future generations,” Page said. Page has a European background, with his family being from Greece and Italy. He aspires to study astrophysics after he finishes his final year at MAST.
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