Kotaku
While I was I busy harvesting warm fuzzies last night during the PlayStation 3 launch, around the country the dark side of humanity was rearing its ugly head as the promise of a quick payday drove people to violence. I wish I could say I was exaggerating and being overly dramatic. Take a look for yourself.
Putnam, CT - Two armed teenagers in ski masks attempt to hold-up the PS3 line at the local Wal-Mart, fleeing the scene empty-handed after shooting a customer who tried to resist them. The victim, shot in the chest and shoulder, is currently in stable condition.
Sullivan, IN - A man is stabbed as he and a friend try to rob two other men of their newly acquired systems. He is in critical condition following emergency surgery.
Fresno, CA - Two people are arrested after a crowd tramples people in a parking lot trying to get a chance at purchasing the launch system.
Englewood, OH - Two armed men in black ski-masks enter a GameStop at closing time, forcing the employees to hand over their stock of five PS3 systems.
Manchester, CT - Five men surround a new Playstation 3 owner as he exits a store with his purchase, beat him, and drive off with his console. As they escape they push one of their own out of the car, a 17 year-old male now being charged with multiple crimes.
Allentown, PA - A teenager has his system stolen by a man who taps on his car window with a handgun.
Henrico, VA - Police are forced to use a talcum powder ball to get a crowd of 350 under control as they waited for a chance at one of a Target stores 8 systems.
Let's not forget the BB gun shootings, and the flagpole facial.
Reports are still coming in from around the country, so the full extent of the violence caused by the limited launch is still unknown. I do know that this is probably the bloodiest console debut I've ever seen, and I would be very interested to hear someone from Sony comment on the rash of crime spreading across the country as a direct result of their product.
Now I'm off to go pick up my own Playstation 3. If I don't make it, tell your mother I love her.
Update: Yes, I meant inherent. I've had four hours sleep in the past two days, so I am allowed several free errors. :)
1 shot in Conn. amid PlayStation mayhem [Houston Chronicle]
