Hammer-wielding ArcheAge gamer traveled 1,000 miles to break into fellow player's home and launch vicious ambush after online argument: cops

A New Jersey man apparently went all in on the fantasy video game he was playing - trading in his joystick for a hammer and traveling 1,000 miles to launch a bloody attack on a gaming rival he had never even met in person, police said as they charged him with attempted murder

Edward Kang, 20, was taken into custody on Sunday morning after appearing at the  home of Zachary Dinh in Fernandina Beach, Florida, and attacking him. 

According to Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, Kang had flown from Newark to confront Dinh following a dispute through the fantasy video game ArcheAge. 

After departing New Jersey, authorities say Kang stayed at the Ocean Coast Hotel in Fernandina Beach from Friday and purchased a flashlight and a hammer. 

Leeper said that Kang entered the home wearing all-black clothing, gloves and a mask and attacked Dinh with the tool, causing 'severe head wounds'. 

Edward Kang, 20, was taken into custody on Sunday morning after appearing at the unknown victim's home in Fernandina Beach, Florida

Kang had flew from Newark to confront Dinh following a dispute through the fantasy video game ArcheAge. A promo picture of the game is seen here

Dinh told deputies that he was playing video games when he got up to use the bathroom and saw Kang standing with a hammer in a 'anticipated strike position'.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Leeper said: 'This is a weird one. Some things make you say 'Hmm.' Some things, you just can't make up. 

'There are some things that make you say 'What in the world was he thinking?' And there are some things that make you say 'You're not going to believe this.' 

'This case makes you say all four of those.'

Deputies were called to the home by the Dinh's stepfather who was woken by his stepson's screams for help. 

After rushing to his aid, he told officers he found his stepson on the ground struggling with Kang. 

The two managed to restrain Kang until police arrived on the scene, with Dinh suffering severe but non-life-threatening wounds to his head. 

Leeper said that authorities found a 'significant amount of blood' in the entryway of the home and in the Dinh's bedroom. He was taken to hospital for his injuries and has since been released. 

Dinh told deputies that he was playing video games when he got up to use the bathroom and saw Kang standing with a hammer in a 'anticipated strike position'

According to Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, seen here, Kang had said Dinh was a 'bad person' online 

Leeper added: 'When the suspect was asked why he did what he did, the suspect stated that he is a bad person online, talking about the victim. 

'In addition, the suspect asked our deputy how much time in jail do you get for breaking and entering and assault.

'I would say, Mr. Kang, it’s gonna be a long time before you play video games again.' 

Authorities said that Kang had told his family that he was going to meet a friend online when he departed New Jersey. 

Kang was booked into the Nassau County Jail on Sunday and charged with attempted second-degree murder and armed burglary. 

Leeper added: '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.' 

ArcheAge is a fantasy online game where players pursue their own adventures in a mythical world.

The game will closed down on Friday for users in North America according to the game's website after a decline in the number of players.