‘Pokemon Go’ app causing safety issues for some players

An app using augmented reality is luring unsuspecting players into dangerous situations.

“Pokemon Go” is bringing to life the common card game of catching pocket monsters, but some players are getting into trouble.

The video game is unique as it takes player’s out into the real world.

Only 4 days old, “Pokemon Go” has thousands of downloads.

Mike Zichler, who plays the game, said the goal is, “To run around and catch Pokemon”

The app uses the phone camera to create augmented reality, showing the Pokemon in the real world so players can catch them.

But there are dangers linked to the game.

“You actually walk outside until you find Pokemon on the streets,” player Portia Scovern said.

“People get lost with their head in their phone,” Zichler said.

Then, players don’t pay attention to what’s going on around them.

The O’Fallon, Missouri Police Department reported armed robberies have happened at “Poke-spots”

A Wyoming woman also found a dead person’s body while playing the game.

Zichler said Saturday they ran into parents searching for their son in Colorado Springs.

“Parents were looking for their son who went missing playing the game,” Zichler said.

The dangers don’t surprise Zichler though.

He said the lures used in the game to attract Pokemon, also attract players.

“It would be very easy for me to just sit here and lour a bunch of players here and then rob them,” Zichler said. “Would I do it? No.”

But it’s a reminder for all players.

“Use common sense. Use safety first,”Scovern said.