When will the Pokemon Go violence stop?
It seems like gun violence and Pokémon Go (or should I say America?) go hand-in-hand as now a man in Columbus, Ohio has been shot multiple times while playing the game.
26-year-old Gregory Wheeler was out late playing Go in the not-so-safe Linden Park (where someone also previously had their cell phone stolen while playing) when he was approached by a 14-year-old boy who asked to borrow his phone to call his mother. After being handed the phone, the teen took off on a bike as Wheeler gave chase. Mr. Wheeler found himself surrounded by several people who then punched him in the head and shot him three times: once in the foot, and again in each of his thighs.
Thankfully, Wheeler is recovering after surgery and says he hopes his shooter “gets another chance, and realizes this isn’t the life he wants to lead.”
Local prosecutor Ron O’Brien released a statement that should be taken to heart no matter where you’re playing: “If you’re going to play the game, it would be wise to travel in pairs, be cognizant of your surroundings, pay attention to what time of day you are playing, use caution when alerting strangers of your future location, and do not venture into locations that would otherwise be considered dangerous.”
As I live in Columbus, I’m not all that surprised this would happen here. There are definitely some not-so-great areas that I’d never be caught alone in, regardless of the time of day. Play smart and safe, everyone, and if you’re in town, hit me up so we can go out together (I’m lonely).
14-year-old charged after man robbed, shot while playing Pokemon Go at park [ABC 6]
