Xbox Gaming in South Africa

An unnamed Texas teenager intending to "make the headlines so that people would remember him forever" by gunning down his classmates has been arrested thanks to some quick thinking by a fellow gamer, reports local news outlets in the area.

The incident took place in an Xbox LIVE game on 4 February when the suspect, distraught with the possibility of failing his level at school, discussed his plans to gun down his class mates. Alarmed at the suspect's sentiments, a fellow gamer based in Canada then alerted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who in turn contacted the Microsoft Law Enforcement.

"I cannot comment on specific cases such as this except to say that the Xbox Enforcement team works very closely with Microsoft's law enforcement engagement teams to assist the police wherever possible," says Stephen Toulouse, director of policy and enforcement for Xbox LIVE. "We urge customers that feel any behavior on Xbox LIVE could be threatening or criminal to contact law enforcement in addition to using our built in tools to help protect their experience."

The console was traced to San Antonio, and the would-be offender promptly arrested. He has since been suspended indefinitely from school, and will face state felony charges.

Whether this is just a case of hollow threats from an emotional teenager, or a genuine intent to hurt others, it goes to show that internet anonymity won't protect those intent on engaging in criminal activities.

[via Kotaku]