Pokémon Go player murdered in Albuquerque after witnessing robbery
A 21-year-old woman was shot and killed in Albuquerque, local police have reported, after she and her boyfriend witnessed a robbery while playing Pokémon Go near Bianchetti Park.
The victim was confirmed to be 21-year-old Cayla Campos by local police. Campos and her boyfriend, Sidney, were reportedly playing Pokémon Go at around 11.50pm on October 18, when the two allegedly witnessed a robbery being committed near where they were playing.
A police spokesperson detailed in an email released the following day that Cayla and Sidney had been seated in their own car, when they saw two strangers attempting to rob the driver of another car parked nearby on the edge of Bianchetti Park.
When the two attempted to leave, the suspected criminals fired multiple shots into the fleeing vehicle. The gunfire struck Campos in the back of the head and caused their vehicle to crash into a nearby house.
The 21-year-old later succumbed to her injuries at UNM Hospital.
Cayla (left) was reportedly playing Pokémon Go when she saw a robbery in progress.Campos’ death was reported on Pokémon Go message boards, where many urged other players to make sure they are safe, and aware of their surroundings when playing Niantic’s augmented reality game.
“Take into account your own safety and when you go out and play,” long-term player Kody Love told Koat on October 19, and suggested what happened to Campos should be a warning for other fans of the massively-popular handheld game.
He added: “It definitely makes me think twice about where and when I’m playing. There’s a lot of rough neighborhoods and times you probably shouldn’t be out. I mean, you just need to be aware of your surroundings, and be safe.”
Young player David Hutzel also offered his own advice to other Pokémon Go fans: “It’s kind of freaky… Stay around your neighborhood and always carry something with you that you can contact your parents with.”
Pokémon Go fans have urged other plays to stay safe while playing.Albuquerque police have confirmed they are seeking the public’s help identifying the suspects, and the victims of the Bianchetti Park robbery, as well as information on the silver four-door sedan and a red car (possibly a Ford Mustang), both sighted at the scene.
If you have any information, the police have urged you to contact them at 505-242-2677.