SCRANTON, PA — What began as a digital dispute over a popular video game escalated into a real-world violent encounter Tuesday night, leaving a local teenager injured and four others facing felony charges.
Scranton Police were initially dispatched to the intersection of Foster Street and Gunster Avenue following reports of a possible abduction. However, upon arrival and further investigation, officers determined the incident was a targeted physical assault.
The victim, a 14-year-old male, informed investigators that the conflict started while playing the online game Fortnite. During the session, an argument broke out with another player, who allegedly made explicit threats to find and assault the victim in person.
The threats were carried out shortly after. Police report that the 14-year-old sustained multiple injuries during the attack, including lacerations caused by an "edged weapon."
Following the assault, Scranton authorities issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert for the suspects' vehicle. Officers from the Old Forge Police Department spotted the car and conducted a successful traffic stop, detaining four teenagers found inside.
The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office Juvenile Division has approved a slate of serious charges against all four teens, including conspiracy to commit aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit simple assault with a deadly weapon
Following their processing, all four juveniles were released into the custody of their guardians. The identity of the suspects has not been released due to their minor status.