Teenagers Go On GTA-Inspired Crime Spree in New York

Kris Erickson • Jun 26, 2008 • Comments ()

Six teenagers reportedly went on a crime spree in Nassau County, New York, after having been inspired by action in the popular video game GTA IV. The video game, which details the criminal misadventures of a newly-landed immigrant from Eastern Europe, also takes place in a fictionalized version of New York City.

Well, at least they got the setting right. In a dumbass move that is sure to inspire even more political backlash against the content of video games, the six teenagers were caught after a night of mugging, destruction, and robbery that caused thousands of dollars in real-world damage.

After robbing a man in a local supermarket, the adolescents armed themselves with crowbars and bats. They reportedly stopped and robbed passers by, and smashed a van as it drove near the teenagers.

Two of the oldest boys arrested are Stephen Attard, 18, of 1st Avenue, New Hyde Park and Dylan Laird, 17, of Southborough, Massachusetts. A 14-year-old, 15-year-old and a 16-year-old were also charged with first-degree robbery, but their names have not been made public because they are minors.

Det. Sgt. Anthony Repalone confirmed that the boys had confessed to emulating the video game shortly after their arrest.

The six boys have been charged as adults. If convicted, they face a substantial maximum penalty of 5 years in real-world jail.