Foul Play: New Jersey Suspect Flew to Florida to Attack Fellow Gamer After ‘Online Altercation,' Sheriff Says
Edward Kang reportedly flew to Florida, stayed at a hotel near the victim and went to buy a hammer and flashlight at a nearby hardware store before the attack took place, authorities said.
June 25 2024, Published 2:02 p.m. ET
Gamer Attacked
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A New Jersey man has been arrested after he allegedly flew to Florida and attacked a fellow gamer with a hammer after an “online altercation,” according to authorities.
Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said the alleged victim, who has not been named, and the suspect, 20-year-old Edward Kang, knew each other from the online video game ArcheAge.
Told Family He Was Going to Meet a Friend
Kang stayed in a hotel near the victim's home the night before the alleged attack took place, police said.
Kang reportedly told his family he was going to meet a friend he met years ago through an online video game, officials said. He then flew from Newark, New Jersey, to Jacksonville, Florida, and arrived at a hotel near the victim’s home early morning on June 21.
After landing in Florida, Kang bought a hammer and flashlight at a hardware store, with police finding receipts in his hotel room, according to the sheriff.
The Alleged Weapon
A picture of the hammer Kang bought at a hardware store before the attack took place, police said.
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The suspect and victim had never met in-person before, but Kang showed up at the victim’s home “apparently to confront the victim,” Sheriff Leeper said.
Kang, who allegedly gained entry into the victim’s home through an unlocked door and wore all-black clothes, gloves and a mask, allegedly attacked the victim with a hammer when he got up from gaming to use the bathroom late June 22 or early June 23, authorities said.
'Bad Person Online'
Kang reportedly told police that the victim was a 'bad person online,' officials said.
The victim, who is believed to be around the same age as Kang, was able to wrestle Kang to the ground and with the help of his stepfather, who was woken up by screams for help, were able to disarm him and restrain him until police arrived, according to the sheriff.
Officers found a significant amount of blood in the entryway of the home and the victim’s bedroom. The victim also sustained “severe” head wounds during the assault and was transported to the hospital, but has since been released, the sheriff said.
When talking with police, Kang said the victim is a “bad person online” and he allegedly asked how much jail time for breaking and entering and assault, according to Leeper.
Arrest Made
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Kang was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder and armed burglary, officials said.
In a statement, Leeper said, "This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential real-world consequences of online interaction. We urge the public to exercise caution, report any suspicious online behavior to the authorities and always ensure that their homes are securely locked."
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