‘Pokemon Go’ players attacked in Belleville, police investigating
Police said they were investigating a battery case after a woman stated an attacker “threw a handful of sawdust” in her face over the weekend while playing “Pokemon Go” in the area of North 8th and West C streets in Belleville.
The report was made in the early morning hours on Sunday to the Belleville Police Department. Master Sgt. Mark Heffernan said three people were playing the smartphone game from inside a vehicle when another group approached.
According to police, “about four or five black males” came up to the vehicle, with one person carrying what was believed to be sawdust in one hand and a baseball bat in the other. Police said the victim was sitting in the passenger seat with the window rolled down when the suspect allegedly threw a handful of sawdust in her face. The victim and her friends then fled to the area of MotoMart where they called 911.
The woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment, Heffernan said.
Police searched the area, but a suspect was not immediately found. The suspect is described as a black male, 6-feet tall, with short dreadlocks, dark complexion who was wearing a dark shirt and dark pants.
Police did not name the victim in their report; however, a public Facebook post described a similar report, warning other “Pokemon Go” users and friends. The post was made after 3 a.m. Sunday. Since then, it has been widely circulated, with more than 880 shares on Facebook.
In the post, the woman said she was with her boyfriend and another friend in a car playing “Pokemon Go” when the vehicle was “barricaded.”
The Facebook post said a group of men “beat” on the car and that one person “threw a handful of sawdust” into her eyes. The post said the driver of the car “slammed on the gas and busted through their barricade” to escape.
Aside from Sunday’s attack, Heffernan said Belleville police have not received any other reports since “Pokemon Go” was released. Police have asked the public to contact the police department at 618-234-1212 or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477 if they have any information regarding the attack.
Kaitlyn Schwers: 618-239-2526, @kaitlynschwers
Tips
Belleville police also offered the following advice to local “Pokemon Go” users.
- Playing late at night or in the early hours of the morning could put you at increased risk. If you must play at this time, stay in well lit areas.
- Do not trespass on private property unless prior permission from the owner of the property was gained.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Do not become so engrossed in the game that you lose track of what is going on around you.
- Do not venture into areas that are unfamiliar, especially at night.
This story was originally published July 19, 2016 at 11:55 AM with the headline "‘Pokemon Go’ players attacked in Belleville, police investigating."