Pokemon gotta catch ‘em all – or do you? The new Pokemon Go game has actually caused more harm than good recently. With robberies, shootings and enraged fans the popular game has turned a corner.
Police have stated that four men used the popular “Pokemon Go” game to commit multiple robberies. The suspects specifically chose their victims through the game and attacked. A gunman and his underage driver tried to rob a group of people playing the game, which triggered a shootout after one of the players pulled out his own weapon at a Las Vegas park that has recently become a hotspot for virtual creature hunting.
The game consists of walking around prominent landmarks that are known as “Poke-stops.” At these Pokestops players will gather together supplies like “Pokeballs” for example that are used for throwing at other “Pocket Monsters” or Pokemon in order to capture them for training. Players will battle one another for status at different locations.
It is believed that the suspects actually added a prominent signal near a Poke-stop that specifically lures more players in. While the players were distracted the suspects would strike, the suspects were found sitting in a car with a handgun inside the vehicle.
The Pokémon Company International and Niantic, Inc., released a statement Sunday evening in regards to the alleged robberies.
“We are aware that some incidents have occurred involving fans playing Pokémon GO. We encourage all people playing Pokémon GO to be aware of their surroundings and to play with friends when going to new or unfamiliar places,” the statement said. “Please remember to be safe and alert at all times. We are humbled by the overwhelmingly positive response to Pokémon GO and greatly appreciate the support of our fans.”
Police are warning those who play the game or have children who play the game to do so with caution.