A 20-year-old gamer got into an argument with a fellow player in an online game – flew to Florida from New Jersey to break into his home and attack him with a hammer. Now the 20-year-old is charged with attempted murder.
– It’s a strange case, says the police in Florida during a press conference.
A 20-year-old man from New Jersey in the United States is charged with attempted murder after he attacked an opponent with a hammer in his home.
The incident is said to have occurred after an argument in the online game ArcheAge, reports among others The New York Times.
“I don’t know what happened between the victim and the suspect, but something made the suspect want to come down to Florida and hurt the other person,” said Sheriff Bill Leeper during a press conference, according to the newspaper.
“It’s a strange case,” he continues.
Checked in at hotel
The suspected perpetrator landed in Florida on Friday and checked into a hotel. In a nearby shop, he bought a hammer and a flashlight, before breaking into the victim’s home during the night, wearing black clothes, gloves and a mask.
The victim’s stepfather was awakened by screams and was able to call the police, who arrived at the residence shortly after.
Both men were taken to hospital. The victim’s injuries are not considered life-threatening, according to the police.
“I would say it will be a long time before he can play video games again,” Leeper said in a statement about the accused man.
According to police, the men had never seen each other before, but knew each other from the online game, which is set in a mythical world where characters are created to fight and kill each other.