Chisago Co. Sheriff's Office Declares Monday 'Pokémon Go Day'
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A new Pokémon video game has people talking, including the Chisago County Sheriff's Office.
They declared Monday, July 11 "Pokémon Go Day."
It's getting nuts up here in Rush City. We declare July 11 officially #PokemonGO day! pic.twitter.com/FAfm9unKmu
— Chisago Co Sheriff (@ChisagoCountySO) July 11, 2016
Unlike the original, this game takes Pokémon to a whole new level.
The game is a mix of reality and fantasy. It puts characters into our world and encourages people to get out and find them in all parts of town, from local stores to parks to landmarks.
A lot of people have said the app has gotten them outside and active.
The app is number one on the Google Play and Apple App store.
The Chisago County Sheriff's Office tweeted overnight their deputies got a tutorial from people playing it.
They tweeted a player who's out of shape told them this game got them more active in the last week than Michelle Obama has in eight years.
#PokemonGO is happening in Rush City tonight and we are getting in on it. pic.twitter.com/LorLObmMWH
— Chisago Co Sheriff (@ChisagoCountySO) July 11, 2016
Deputies also posed for pictures with some players, lighting up the night with the glow of their cellphones.
While the game is relatively harmless, there are some safety concerns from people staring at their phones.
Players have reported all kinds of minor injuries from walking into doors or falling off of sidewalks.
Police in Missouri said teenagers robbed people after luring them to a specific location using it. Officers arrested four people between the ages of 16 and 18 in this case.
Police in Shakopee issued a statement in regards to the game saying, there have been reports of car accidents, trespassing issues and robbery suspects being targeted. Although none of this has occurred in Shakopee, they are asking residents to keep this in mind.
"If you are playing, please play responsibly. Make sure you are respectful of private property. It is illegal, and dangerous, to play while driving," the Shakopee Police Department said in a recent statement.
Police also asked users to play in a group and let someone know where you are going, or if there is any suspicious activity in the area.