PROSECUTOR O’BRIEN URGES FRANKLIN COUNTY POKEMON GO GAME PLAYERS TO FOCUS ON THEIR SAFETY RATHER THAN THEIR SCORES

Posted on 7/27/2016

Defendant: Pokemon Go Public Safety Statement

Franklin County Prosecutor said, “Since the Pokemon Go game was launched earlier this month, there have been reports issued across the country regarding numerous serious injuries and dangerous encounters connected to many playing the game”.  Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced that just last night a man was hit in the head, robbed, and shot three times after a juvenile stole the victim’s phone while the victim was playing the Pokemon Go game in a park in North Linden.  O’Brien is urging residents in Franklin County to make safety their number one priority if they are going to play the game or if parents are allowing their children to play the game.  O’Brien stated, “It has been reported that some criminals have been using the Pokemon Go game as a way to lure victims in so they can carry out a crime”.  O’Brien further stated, “If you are 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”.   Be sure to contact your local authorities if you see activity that looks suspicious or dangerous.