Pokemon Go Warnings

by
posted on July 29, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gsagi2015_fs.jpg (2)

A four person Pokecrew in Nevada found more than virtual adversaries hiding in a Las Vegas park earlier this month. An armed robber and his getaway driver were using those virtual Pidgeys, Pikachus and Golbats for cover as they approached the group. The criminals probably assumed the victims would keep their noses buried in their game and never notice the gun coming out.

Instead, one of the “victims” had a carry permit and drew. A gunfight broke out, Poliwags screamed and ultimately law enforcement put a PokeStop to the pair of bad guys by adding them to its Pokedex.

The increasing number of incidents is largely the product of the game’s geolocation feature, which allows criminals to identify remote locations that attract victims. How bad is it? Bad enough the company issued a statement. “We take player safety seriously and want everybody to have a fantastic time exploring safely playing Pokemon Go,” it said. “We encourage all people to be aware of their surroundings and to play alongside friends or family, especially when you’re exploring unfamiliar places.”

It’s solid advice, but a Niagra Falls incident proves traveling in a wedding-sized groups doesn’t provide immunity. A man was robbed and shot in Ohio. College students were targeted in Maryland. Other recent incidents include in San Francisco, Delaware, Indiana and the list is too long to include here.

No one’s saying you shouldn’t get out there and explore, that’s a good thing, but do it safely and wisely. Four a.m. in a park is probably asking for trouble, whether you’re chasing a water Pokemon or Ms. PacMan—both of which, by the way, will lead to an automatic check in the “no significant other” box when law enforcement fills out an incident-report form.  

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.