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Man playing ‘Pokemon Go’ robbed of cellphone, shot

Posted at 3:33 PM, Jul 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-27 15:33:28-04

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Police say a man playing “Pokemon Go” in an Ohio park was robbed of his cellphone and shot three times.

Columbus police say 26-year-old Gregory Wheeler and a woman were playing the smartphone game Tuesday night when a 14-year-old boy asked to use the phone to call his mother.

Police say the teenager fled with the phone and Wheeler was first struck in the head by another person when he chased after the boy, then shot. Wheeler’s condition wasn’t immediately available Wednesday.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the 14-year-old was charged as a juvenile with aggravated robbery and felonious assault. They are searching for the other person, also believed to be about 14.

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien on Wednesday urged “Pokemon Go” players to be aware of their surroundings.