Hammer-wielding ArcheAge gamer traveled 1,000 miles to break into fellow player’s home and launch vicious ambush after online argument: cops
A New Jersey man apparently went all-in on the fantasy video game he was playing: He traded his joystick for a hammer and traveled 1,000 miles to carry out a bloody attack on a gaming rival he’d never seen before. had met in person, police said as they attacked. him with attempted murder
Edward Kang, 20, was taken into custody Sunday morning after showing up at Zachary Dinh’s home in Fernandina Beach, Florida and assaulting him.
According to Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, Kang had flown from Newark to confront Dinh after a dispute over the fantasy video game ArcheAge.
After leaving New Jersey, authorities say Kang stayed at the Ocean Coast Hotel in Fernandina Beach as of Friday and purchased a flashlight and a hammer.
Leeper said Kang entered the house wearing all black clothing, gloves and a mask and attacked Dinh with the tools, causing “severe head wounds.”
Edward Kang, 20, was taken into custody Sunday morning after showing up at the unidentified victim’s home in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Kang had flown from Newark to confront Dinh after a dispute over the fantasy video game ArcheAge. A promotional photo of the game can be seen here
Dinh told officers he was playing video games when he got up to use the bathroom and saw Kang standing in an “expected striking position” with a hammer.
Leeper said at a press conference on Tuesday: ‘This is a strange one. Some things make you go ‘Hmm.’ Some things you just can’t make up for.
“There are things that make you say, ‘What the hell was he thinking?’ And there are things that make you say, “You’re not going to believe this.”
“In this case you say all four.”
Officers were called to the home by the Dinh’s stepfather, who was awakened by his stepson’s cries for help.
After coming to his aid, he told officers he found his stepson on the ground struggling with Kang.
The two managed to restrain Kang until police arrived on the scene, with Dinh suffering serious but non-life-threatening wounds to his head.
Leeper said authorities found a “significant amount of blood” in the entrance to the home and in the Dinh’s bedroom. He was taken to hospital with his injuries and has since been released.
Dinh told officers he was playing video games when he got up to use the bathroom and saw Kang standing in an “expected striking position” with a hammer.
According to Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, seen here, Kang had said Dinh was a “bad person” online
Leeper continued: ‘When the suspect was asked why he did what he did, the suspect stated that he was a bad person online and talked about the victim.
“In addition, the suspect asked our deputy how much jail time you will receive for burglary and assault.
“Mr. Kang, I think it will be a while before you play video games again.”
Authorities said Kang told his family he would meet a friend online when he left New Jersey.
Kang was booked into the Nassau County Jail on Sunday and charged with attempted manslaughter and armed burglary.
Leeper added: “This incident is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of online interactions in the real world.
‘We urge the public to exercise caution, report any suspicious online behavior to the authorities and always ensure their homes are securely locked.’
ArcheAge is an online fantasy game where players pursue their own adventures in a mythical world.
According to the game’s website, the game will close to users in North America on Friday after a drop in player numbers.