Summary
- Pokemon GO players are allegedly being stopped by cops while playing in public, leading to unnecessary harassment.
- Some cops are suspicious or unaware of the game, while others have reacted positively to players.
- Players should remain cautious while playing, especially at night, to avoid criminal targeting or conflicts with law enforcement.
A number of Pokemon GO players are coming forward and sharing their stories of allegedly being stopped by cops for playing the game in public. Although Pokemon GO players are encouraged to get outside and play, doing so has apparently gotten some players in trouble.
Pokemon GO is approaching 10 years old, having launched way back in 2016. In that time, plenty of gamers have joined in, searching for Pokemon in the real world via the augmented reality title. However, it would seem that some people don’t know that the game exists, or at least, they don’t find it to be a viable excuse for hanging around.
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A Pokemon GO player going by Admirable_Horse_6072 shared their story of allegedly being stopped by a fairly aggressive police officer while playing Pokemon GO in a public park. Admirable_Horse_6072 was sitting in their car while parked in a public park at about 8 pm when a cop pulled in next to them and asked what they were doing. The player immediately showed the police officer their phone and explained, but the cop apparently thought it was suspicious, and decided to run their plate and visually search the vehicle. Despite the player being parked in a public space with their lights on while the park was still open, the cop tried to pull the park ranger into it by trying to get them to press charges against the gamer, which they apparently weren’t interested in doing. After another search and calling the player “stupid,” they told them to leave the park and followed them the whole way out.
Pokemon Players Share Cop Stories – But It’s Not All Bad
Numerous fans have since shared their similar stories of being in public areas in the evening playing the game and being questioned by a police officer. Several fans have discussed being stopped by police when playing the game at night, whether they were alone or with friends or loved ones, both in the US and in Canada. However, there were some good stories, as well. One cop asked a player what they were doing and chuckled about it, and then left after wishing them good luck with the game. Another police officer reportedly stopped one player and was suspicious of their activity, but upon hearing that the gamer was playing Pokemon GO, their partner excitedly pulled out their own phone to show off the new Shiny Pokemon they’d just caught.
While it sounds as though most of these players were well within their rights to be playing Pokemon GO, it’s a good reminder to remain cautious when playing the game. Pokemon GO players have been targeted by criminals at times, and playing at night likely increases the risk of encountering cops or thieves.
- Released
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July 6, 2016
- ESRB
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