Tampa police say about 150 people were caught trespassing Thursday night at a Tampa park.
- Police found 150 people trespassing at Ballast Point Park, playing Pokemon Go
- The group was asked to leave; everyone complied except David Mastrototaro-Baermude
- He was arrested and charged with trespassing and resisting arrest
At about 10:30 pm., officers responded to a complaint of a large group at Ballast Point Park after closing time.
When officers arrived, they say the group was in the park playing Pokemon Go. Police instructed the group to leave and everyone complied except one person, 20-year-old David Mastrototaro-Baermude.
Mastrototaro was asked to leave the park several times, but he refused, police said.
When officers tried to arrest him trespassing, he allegedly grabbed an officer’s arm. According to police, Mastrototaro continued to resist, almost pulling one officer to the ground.
One officer used his Taser in order to arrest Mastrototaro, according to the police report.
Mastrototaro was charged with trespassing after warning and resisting arrest.
Tampa police offered a few safety tips for those playing Pokemon Go:
- Pay attention to your surroundings while plaiying (i.e. don’t walk into traffic)
- Keep in mind that not everyone is playing the game so don’t trespass on private property or enter restricted areas.
- If you’re playing at night, be sure to be visible.
- Be cautious of strangers
- Don’t play while driving!