A New Jersey man escalated a gaming dispute into a real-life confrontation by traveling from New Jersey to Florida armed with a hammer. Edward Kang, a 20-year-old gamer, is now in custody, charged with attempted second-degree murder and armed burglary while wearing a mask. Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper remarked on the surreal nature of the incident, stating, “Some things are so unbelievable, they defy imagination.”
The confrontation between Kang and his gaming rival stemmed from their shared passion for ArcheAge, an MMORPG that recently announced server shutdowns in Europe and North America, causing frustration among players. Kang, reportedly upset by this news, traveled from New Jersey to Florida after telling his mother he was visiting an online friend. Once in Florida, he located his rival’s whereabouts, though the specifics of how remain unclear. Kang then checked into a hotel in Fernandina Beach near Jacksonville and stopped at a hardware store to purchase a hammer before the incident unfolded.
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Armed and determined, Kang entered the victim’s unlocked home around 2 a.m. on Sunday, catching him by surprise as he stepped out of his bedroom. Kang, wielding a hammer, initiated a struggle that prompted the victim to call for help. Fortunately, his stepfather intervened, restraining Kang until law enforcement arrived. Despite sustaining several head wounds, the victim’s injuries were non-life-threatening, and he received treatment at a hospital.
During questioning, Kang characterized his victim as a problematic figure online and inquired about potential jail time for his actions. Sheriff Leeper responded pointedly, suggesting Kang would have plenty of time away from video games in the foreseeable future. Currently held without bond, Kang awaits legal proceedings as his gaming activities face a prolonged hiatus due to the consequences of his violent actions.
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