S3Corp. Tech Blog

Since its release, Pokémon Go has rapidly gained popularity. The game has overtaken social media apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and WhatsApp in terms of user engagement. Reports from SimilarWeb reveal that the game has been installed on more Android smartphones in the U.S. than the mobile application development “Tinder”, signaling its widespread appeal. As millions of people have embraced the game, countless unexpected stories have emerged. Here are five of the most random and entertaining Pokémon Go stories that have come to light.

A Man Played Pokémon Go in a Hospital Delivery Room

Jonathan Theriot and his wife were expecting a baby.

One of the most bizarre stories involves Jonathan Theriot, who was with his wife Jessica at the hospital awaiting the birth of their third daughter. While Jessica prepared for a C-section, Jonathan’s attention was diverted by the sight of a Pidgey, a common Pokémon in the game. Rather than comforting his wife during this moment, Jonathan couldn’t resist catching the Pokémon. He even took a screenshot of his attempt with his wife resting in the background. The photo quickly went viral, amassing nearly three million views on Imgur. Jessica, however, wasn’t upset about her husband’s distraction. Hours later, she gave birth to their daughter, Ireland. Despite the unusual timing of his Pokémon hunt, Jonathan’s story became one of the most memorable moments of the game’s early days.

Pokémon Go Traps a Cheating Brooklyn Boyfriend

In Brooklyn, New York, Evan Scribner’s infidelity was exposed by none other than Pokémon Go. Evan visited his ex-girlfriend’s house while still in a relationship with his current girlfriend. Unbeknownst to him, the game’s geolocation feature would reveal his whereabouts. When his girlfriend noticed that Evan had caught a Pokémon at his ex’s house, she immediately confronted him. Evan admitted to the situation, revealing how his girlfriend discovered the truth. “She saw that I had caught a Pokémon while at my ex’s house,” Evan said. The relationship quickly soured, and Evan’s cheating was uncovered thanks to a harmless game. Evan’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about how easily Pokémon Go’s tracking can unravel even the best-kept secrets.

Pokémon Go Helps Catch an Attempted Murder Suspect

In Fullerton, a district of Los Angeles, two Marines—Seth Ortega and Javier Soch—were playing Pokémon Go when they observed strange behavior by a man. This individual had approached a woman and two children who were also playing the game. The man began touching the boy’s foot and leg inappropriately. Recognizing the situation as suspicious, the Marines alerted the police. Officers quickly arrived and arrested the man on charges of child annoyance. During the arrest, they discovered that the man had an outstanding warrant for attempted murder in Sonoma, California. Thanks to Pokémon Go players staying vigilant while immersed in the game, a dangerous individual was apprehended. This story shows how the game, which is usually associated with harmless fun, inadvertently played a role in preventing further harm.

A Pokémon Go Player Continued After Being Stabbed

One of the more bizarre tales to come out of Pokémon Go involves Michael Baker, who was playing the game late at night in Oregon. At about 1:00 AM, Michael noticed another player nearby. However, the person wasn’t also playing Pokémon Go. Instead, the stranger attacked Michael, stabbing him in the shoulder before fleeing the scene. Despite the painful injury, Michael didn’t immediately seek medical help. Instead, he chose to continue with his Pokémon Go mission. “Right after I was stabbed, I continued my mission to Plaid Pantry for my mission for chips and beer. I basically risked my life,” he said. Michael’s determination to keep playing, even after being injured, highlights the game’s immersive and sometimes all-consuming nature. The incident, which is still under investigation by Oregon police, serves as a reminder of how seriously some players take the game—even when faced with real danger.

Pokémon Go Trainers Advertise Their Services Across the U.S.

In another unexpected twist, Pokémon Go has led to the rise of a new form of business: hiring someone to catch Pokémon for you. Ivy St I’ve, a graduate from New York University, decided to offer her services as a Pokémon Go trainer on Craigslist. For $20 an hour, Ivy offered to walk around the city, catching Pokémon and providing updates to her clients. She had been a dedicated player since 1997 and was a Level 15 trainer, making her a skilled resource for those who didn’t have the time or interest to catch Pokémon themselves. Ivy even had a Golbat tattoo, a clear sign of her passion for the game. Although her Craigslist ad was later removed, her entrepreneurial spirit was clear. In other parts of the country, similar services were offered. In Baltimore, a man charged $25 an hour to drive people around so they could catch Pokémon while relaxing in a car. In Portland, Oregon, another entrepreneur offered rides for $30 per person, taking players to popular Pokémon Go locations for two-hour sessions. These unique services reflect how the game has become not just a pastime but a potential business opportunity for those dedicated to mastering it.

Conclusion

Since its launch, Pokémon Go has brought more than just fun and nostalgia—it has created an unexpected wave of stories. From the man playing during a C-section to the cheating boyfriend exposed by the game’s geolocation, each story illustrates how deeply the game has impacted people’s lives. Whether it’s helping police catch a suspect or inspiring new business ventures, Pokémon Go has proven to be far more than just a game. As millions continue to explore their surroundings in search of rare Pokémon, it’s clear that this phenomenon will lead to even more unpredictable and random stories in the future. The game has become a part of modern life, shaping not just our entertainment, but also the way we interact with the world around us.