Boy playing 'Pokemon Go' robbed of shoes in Palm Coast

13-year-old boy faces robbery charges

PALM COAST, Fla. – A 10-year-old boy was walking around playing "Pokemon Go" at Ralph Center Park playground in Palm Coast when detectives said two boys approached him.

He told detectives one of the boys knocked him to the ground and then pulled his Under Armour shoes off his feet.

News 6 spoke with other children who play in the park who said there isn't usually a lot of mischief that goes on.

"Most of the kids either play basketball or are on the playground," 10-year-old Patrick Cullings said.

The victim told his mother, who then found the thieves. They taunted her, saying, "What you going to do?" They then ran away.

The assault alarmed one father, who said it's reminiscent of the '90s violence.

"My cousin was coming home from school, and they got him for his shoes and a gold chain. You don't think that stuff is happening anymore in 2016," the man said.

Officers eventually found the alleged robber, a 13-year-old boy. The victim's stolen shoes were found inside his backpack.

It isn't the first "Pokemon Go"-related incident in Palm Coast. Just over a week ago, a Palm Coast man fired shots at players in a car that stopped in front of his yard. Prosecutors are still reviewing the case, deciding if he should be charged.

Latricia Halyard, mom of a 6- and 8-year-old, said the game is not worth it. She thinks it should be pulled from the market.

"I know people will say, 'It's just a game. It's just a game,' but it's not. It's turning into a tool for people to use to harm other individuals," Halyard said.

The 13-year-old faces robbery charges.