CLARK COUNTY, Wash. – Police say two brothers taking part in the wildly popular Pokemon Go game ended up stumbling upon a loaded handgun in a field.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office said the two men found the gun in Hazel Dell. They did not pick it up but called 911.
Deputies say the .32 Magnum appears to have been there for some time and had visible weathering and rust. But it appeared the gun could still be fired.
Responding deputy Brian Wade said it’s fortunate that two responsible adults, not children, found the gun.
“It might've led to a tragic incident, if it weren't for the Pokémon searchers,” said Wade.
Pokemon Go debuted last Thursday and has been the talk of social media. It’s a game for iPhones and Android smartphones featuring the classic video game franchise where players catch and train special creatures called Pokémon.
What makes the game special is its use of augmented reality, where Pokémon will appear as if they've been spotted in the real world. The game presents a map powered by GPS, using real-world locations to spot Pokémon and collect items. When you find one, the game opens up your smartphone's camera, giving you a view of Pokémon in the real world. Once you spot them, you flick a Poké Ball toward the creature to capture it.
Along with collecting Pokémon, there are Poké Stops pinned to real locations where players can grab items. It could be a grocery store, or a landmark, or even a sign that can serve as a Poké Stop. Once Pokémon are trained, players take them to gyms to battle other Pokémon.
Police have raised concerns the game is also encouraging people to venture onto private property or be lured by robbers.
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
