Things are starting to get out of hand with the new hit smart phone app Pokémon Go. While people all over the United States are trying hard to catch virtual reality Pokémon, some are trying too hard.
On Wednesday, two men — both in their early 20s — fell several stories off a cliff in Encinitas, California while playing Pokémon Go. Sgt. Rich Eaton of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said one man fell 75 to 100 feet, while the other was found unconscious 50 feet down. Both suffered moderate injuries, according to Eaton.
“I think people just need to realize this is a game,” Eaton said. “It’s not worth your life. No game is worth your life.”
Also on Wednesday, a man in Anaheim, California was stabbed multiple times early in the morning by a group of men in a park. The victim was in his late 20s and the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m.
Sgt. Luis Correa with the Anaheim Police Department said the group involved five to six men in their teens and 20s. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and is reportedly okay.
“Your focus should be on what’s in front of you, so you don’t lose sight of what is happening,” Correa said.
On July 10, two men were robbed and carjacked in Sacramento. The same day in San Francisco, a brother and sister had their phones robbed.
The same day of the Pokémon Go-related stabbing in Anaheim, two men in Lakewood, California were nearly robbed while walking home after at 2:40 a.m. after playing. A vehicle pulled up next to them and a man with a gun tried to rob them. Officials said one of the victims fought back and when the gunman jumped back in the car, the driver tried to run them over but missed.
However, one of the more notable incidents reported in California this week doesn’t involve an attack or injury. In San Luis Obispo, Dan De Vaul, founder of the sober-living facility Sunny Acres, reported his facility was made a Pokémon Go stop. Well, the facility houses released sex offenders and can’t be around children, thus creating an issue with children coming near the facility to play the game.
“I have no idea what Pokemon is,” he said. “I have no idea who put the stop — if it was sabotage — because we don’t want kids showing up here.”
Outside of California, possibly the most ridiculous injury story of the Pokémon Go craze took place in Forrest Grove, Oregon. Michael Baker, 22, was stabbed while playing the game, but didn’t call the cops or a hospital right after. Instead, he kept playing.
“He sliced me as I pushed him away with my foot, and he got my shoulder and ran off,” Baker said. “I guess talking to strangers in the middle of the night about the Pokemon game is not a good idea. I’m just going to keep catching them all you know, that’s pretty much what’s going to happen.”
Baker needed stitches, but before that he finished catching some Pokémon. Because, you know, catching virtual reality Pokémon is more important than fixing a stab wound.
[LA Times]
