Crime is a constant feature of video games writing. Somewhere, someone is doing something illicit with them — sometimes comically stupid, sometimes tragic. Games and consoles are currency, objects of dispute, sometimes even weapons themselves. Kotaku‘s Police Blotter is here to round up the latest in games crime.
When Life Gives You Lemons
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — 10-year-old Anthony Sanders wanted to buy a PlayStation 4 when the console launches later this year, and set out to fund that purchase through the quintessential childhood enterprise: a lemonade stand. Then an older boy with robbed him with that quintessential childhood weapon: The BB gun.
To his credit, Anthony was back out selling again the next day and, no, he didn’t lose everything he’d made. His father told The Tribune-Democrat of Johnston, Pa. that he’s still got a couple hundred bucks saved up. The School of Business at nearb y St. Francis University honored Anthony with a “Young Emerging Entrepreneur Award” for his initiative and for his persistence.
As for the perp, he was tracked down thanks to other neighbourhood kids and is expected to be prosecuted in juvenile court. Witnesses said the alleged robber brandished the BB gun and threatened to shoot Anthony if he didn’t hand over the money. The two wrestled over the money box, which the older boy took, and fled after trashing the stand. Police say he only made off with $US30. [The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.]
Stealing is Fundamental
PARK RIDGE, Ill. — Here’s why it’s a good idea to report your library card if it’s lost or stolen: Police say a man used one to steal $US279 worth of video games from the local public library. It’s not even the biggest theft either — $US534 worth of video games, DVDs and CDs were checked out in July by another person, using another card, and were not returned. At least in this case, police have identified a suspect — 19-year-old Germaine Moore of Des Plaines, Ill., scheduled for an Oct. 2 court appearance on misdemeanour theft charges. [The Sun-Times, Chicago]
An Unfortunate Series of Events
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Sage Bauer, 18, ended up in jail last weekend after an alleged non-sequitur crime spree that involved ditching a cab fare, stealing an Xbox 360, and getting punched in the face twice. Police say Bauer began his evening by jumping in a cab, apparently with people he didn’t know, and getting a ride out of downtown with them, leaving the car without paying. He then entered a home as its occupants were out walking a dog — around 3 a.m. — and made off with the console, plus some shoes. When the residents return, they confronted Bauer, and punched him in the face. He is in custody now. [WECT-TV, Wilmington, N.C.]
Maybe Try Flushing the Evidence Next Time?
SELMA, Ala. — In what had to be a comical scene, police ended their 10-month investigation into the robbery of a local GameStop — of its merchandise, not its cash register — when one of the suspects tried to flee cops, spilling an armload full of games. On Thursday, Selma police rolled up on the residence of Andre Sanders, 37, and Jason Sanders, 30, wanted for the Nov. 12 robbery of a Selma GameStop. Jason Sanders then tried to leave by the back door, according to the Selma (Ala.) Times-Journal with an armload of the booty in tow. Spying police, he dropped the games and ran back inside. A search warrant uncovered “a low end estimation” of $US2,000 worth of game console accessories in their home. They’ve been booked and face charges of third-degree burglary. [Selma (Ala.) Times-Journal]
Picture: Jim Vallee/Shutterstock
Comments
12 responses to “Kid Saving For PS4 Is Robbed At His Lemonade Stand — By A BB Gun”
…Who the hell robs a lemonade stand being run by a 10 year old. Especially if they are saving up for something as important as a video game console. Dick move man…Dick move
An 11 year old with a BB gun.
I’m just wondering how in this day and age you could actually make a few hundred dollars with a lemonade stand…
Kickstarter program to get this kid a PS4
Or karate lessons.
Or a BB gun
Or at least a BBproof vest.
Or some common sense
3 wool jumpers will do that for ya lol. We (when we were *really stupid kids*) back around 1989 or so, had BB guns. We put on 3 – 4 jumpers and used to shoot each other in the stomach and chest for fun (not too bright in retrospect…) couldn’t feel it though.
Thus robbing him of the satisfaction of earning it himself?
When I saved up and bought my first video card so I could play GLQuake, that was so good 🙂
I wouldn’t take that from anyone
Ahhh. The old 3am dog walking… pfft. Getting another half weight more like it
Thats bad but at least that trouble some kid was caught!