First Pokémon Go-related collision reported in Washington state

FALL CITY — After a man admitted that he was playing the popular Pokémon Go mobile application when he collided into the back of another vehicle, the Washington State Patrol is urging drivers and people on foot to use caution when playing the game.

On Monday the 28-year-old man was driving a Honda east on state Route 202, in Fall City, Wash., when he reportedly collided into the back of a Chevrolet sedan. The female driver of the sedan was reportedly stopped in the road and attempting to make a left turn. The woman and her young son were not injured. Both of the cars were towed from the scene and the driver of the Honda admitted to being distracted while he was driving because he was focusing on playing Pokémon Go.

The WSP is urging people to consider the following tips before going out and playing the game:

• Don’t trespass on private property during game play.

• Don’t play the game while driving.

• Know your surroundings when you are out and about playing the game.

The popular game has swept the nation since it was released and caused police departments around the country to be inundated with calls related to Pokémon Go enthusiasts. Locally, on Friday night a man contacted the Moses Lake Police Department about people playing Pokémon Go in downtown Moses Lake at Sinkiuse Square. A MLPD officer responded to the area and observed about 75 people playing the game, but determined the game players were not breaking any laws or violating any ordinances, according to police records.

Just after midnight on Saturday the MLPD received another report of about a dozen people playing Pokémon Go in the road on the Alder Street fill. When police arrived at the scene the gamers were on the sidewalk and no issues were observed.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.