Crime & Safety
Pokemon Go Player Robbed Near Towson Courthouse: Police
Three people allegedly attacked someone playing Pokemon Go on Washington Avenue so they could steal his phone.
TOWSON, MD — Someone playing Pokemon Go was assaulted and robbed in Towson this week, according to the Baltimore County Police Department.
While playing the game in the 400 block of Washington Avenue—near the Baltimore County courthouse—the victim was allegedly attacked from behind at 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13.
Police said that three suspects punched and kicked the victim, then left with his cell phone.
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The victim was taken to the hospital, according to police.
This is not the only incident in which someone engaged in Pokemon Go has been robbed in Baltimore County.
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A group playing the game was robbed at gunpoint on July 7 near Belmont Park in the Parkville area.
The Baltimore County Police Department offered these tips for playing Pokemon Go safely:
- Be aware of your surroundings while playing the game.
- Don't go anywhere alone; always bring a friend.
- Refrain from playing the game while driving.
- Stop if the game takes you to an area that makes you uncomfortable.
- Stay in well-lit locations at night, and do not go to any secluded spaces.
Since the July 6 release of Pokemon Go, there have been reports of people being robbed or injured while playing nationwide.
Based on Nintendo's popular Pokemon franchise, the app uses a phone's location settings to create a semi-virtual world where the user is surrounded by Pokemon.
When players are near a Pokemon, their smartphones will vibrate, and the goal is to "catch" the character by throwing a PokeBall and adding it to their PokeDex.
Developers have added PokeStops — from libraries to parks to churches — in each town. Through an in-game item called a “Lure Module,” Pokemon is attracted to a PokeStop for 30 minutes, visible to everyone nearby.
Around the country there have been reports of suspects finding their victims through the PokeStops.
In light of this viral trend, police departments are urging Pokemon Go players to be careful, particularly encouraging them to look both ways when crossing a street.
Anyone with information about the robbery on Washington Avenue may contact the Baltimore County Police Department at 410-307-2020.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
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