Since Pokemon GO launched, the title has been the focus of a number of negative news stories. Gamers have been found doing everything from accidentally crossing country borders through to driving into cop cars while playing Pokemon GO. However, these accounts have often been due to absentmindedness or a loss of focus, rather than being necessarily deliberate acts.

However, the same cannot be said about the alleged actions of an Arizona couple last week. The pair has been charged with child neglect and endangerment by local authorities after leaving their two-year-old boy outside their home southeast of Phoenix. The parents admitted that they left their child alone in order to play Pokemon GO.

According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Brent and Brianne Daley left their son alone in nearly 100 degree heat for 90 minutes. A neighbor called 911 after finding the boy, who was apparently "screaming and crying" and trying to get into their house. Deputies then found a telephone number for Brent Daley, who said "whatever" to the police before hanging up.

Eventually, the Daleys returned to their home, where they admitted to leaving their child in order to play Pokemon GO. The couple had apparently been driving around the local area, as well as stopping at local parks. Sheriff Paul Babeu has since stated that the couple’s decision to abandon their child to play the game was "beyond comprehension," as well as offering up the events as a cautionary tale.

It’s far from the only time that the police have had to make statements regarding the playing of Pokemon GO. The O'Fallon Missouri Police Department offered up a warning to players after a number of armed robberies, while staff at the Darwin Police Station in Australia also offered up advice on how to play the game. Meanwhile, the force in Manchester, New Hampshire, used the game in a more creative manner, attempting to lure wanted fugitives into the station with the promise of a Charizard.

Often, video games are criticized by external media for their use as a babysitter by lazy parents. However, should these allegations prove true, then there is no excuse for the neglect shown towards their son by this pair. Hopefully, those thinking that their own child may be alright if left alone for gaming's sake will think twice before making that decision.

Pokemon GO is currently available in select regions on Android and iOS devices.

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Source: NBC News