New York teens blame GTA for crime spree

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By Ryan Burns

Several weeks ago a group of six teenagers spent a night terrorizing the streets of Nassau County, New York. The odd thing about the incident is that the group, made up of kids age 14 to 18, blames the Grand Theft Auto series for their actions.

When the night began, four of the group decided to go out and cause some trouble, and then met up with another group they recognized from school. They conscripted two members of that group into theirs and continued their fun.

Before they augmented their ranks, the four jumped a man who was waiting for a bus, and according to Det. Lt. Raymond Coté, “They approach him from behind, forced him to the ground, start punching him, kicking him, knocking the teeth out of his head and take what he has on him.”

Throughout the night, the teens stole makeshift weapons, attempted a carjacking, and vandalized a car. Shortly after the latter, police responded to 911 calls and brought the six into custody. They were all charged as adults.

Of the group, one was held on $20,000 bond or $10,000 cash bail, three on $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash bail, and two on $150,000 bond or $75,000 cash bail.

People who hear this story generally accept the group’s claim that the Grand Theft Auto series inspired their actions. They say GTA IV should be taken off the shelves because it “encourages children to do these kind of things.” This writer disagrees.

How many times during childhood did the average person try to pass the blame when he or she screwed up? Some kids do not grow out of that practice soon enough. Just because young criminals blame it on a video game doesn’t mean the game is the true cause.

Six kids got caught and they wanted a scapegoat: it is as simple as that. Millions of gamers have played the Grand Theft Auto series, and they haven’t let it affect them. The only difference here is that these teens still would have been criminals, even if they hadn’t played.

GTA IV has sold millions of copies worldwide, and yet there are not millions of incidents like this one. A video game cannot make you do anything any more than a movie, TV show, or song can. As always, the six teens from Long Island had a choice, and they made the wrong one. Not because of a game, but because of themselves.

Originally Published: Issue 694 - July 23, 2008

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