GTA 5 News: Stabbings, Fire Rescue, and Fake Cops Highlight Launch Day Mayhem

Grand Theft Auto 5 was released at midnight on Sept. 17, and the game has already had millions playing despite the fact that the online mode will not be available until Oct. 1. The launch of the game was an unofficial holiday for many, and numerous stories have already emerged of the mayhem gamers found themselves in when they rushed to pick up the new game.

One such story involves several men trying snag their copies of Grand Theft Auto 5 by dressing up as police officers. According to a report from Silive, three men from Staten Island dressed up as police officers - complete with a police car purchased at an auction - and crashed the launch of the game. The fake NYPD officers used their phony badges to cut in front of hundreds of fans waiting in line for the game in order to obtain their own copies. The trio were so convincing that Gamestop thanked them for the extra security and a mall security officer offered them coffee. The trio almost got away with the scheme, until they made an illegal U-turn in their fake police vehicle in front of a real police officer. The men now face up to a year in jail for the charge of second-degree criminal impersonation.

Another launch story is not quite as humorous. One man returning home from purchasing the game in Colindale, North West London was assaulted and robbed. The victim is reportedly in stable condition and is recovering from the attack, according to The Independent. Police have arrested three people in connection to the crime.

However, not all stories from Grand Theft Auto 5's launch are negative. In fact, the game's launch may have helped saved a life. BT Toronto is reporting that two teenage brothers were returning home from purchasing the game when they saw a house on fire. They called 911 to report the fire, and then went into the house to try and rescue the 70-year-old occupant. The fire was too intense for the young men to brave, but their call did bring the fire department over in time to save the man from the flames.

Considering these stories, it looks like many gamers will never forget Grand Theft Auto 5's launch day.