Police in Missouri, are warning people about the dangers of walking alone when using the new Pokemon Go app.
The warning came after four armed teenagers used the app to lure unsuspecting people to secluded areas, where they were robbed.
The O’Fallon Police Department said that the teens robbed at least 11 victims of their phones and wallets at gunpoint.
The four teenagers were caught driving around in a BMW with a handgun, looking for Pokemon Go players.
Police arrested Jamine Warner, 18, Shane Backer, 18, Brett Miller, 17 and a juvenile, 16.
The three older suspects were charged with armed criminal action and
first-degree robbery. Their bonds have been set at $100,000 cash only
each.
One victim said that the app encouraged him to walk 12 miles in 36
hours. He is not planning to stop playing the game despite being robbed
at gunpoint, but he will be more vigilant.
Sgt. Bill Stringer said that most of the victims were walking alone and
they were not aware of their surroundings because they were staring at
their phones when they walked into harm’s way.
