Sore Loser Threatened to Shoot 11-Year-Old Boy Who Beat Him in Fortnite

September 19, 2018
By: Aaron Rasmussen

Michael Aliperti

Photo by: Suffolk County Police Department

Suffolk County Police Department

Michael Aliperti

HUNTINGTON, NY — What started as a fun competition ended with a Long Island man behind bars after he threatened to shoot a child who outplayed him while battling online in the popular video game Fortnite.

Michael Aliperti, 45, sent XBOX text and voice messages to the 11-year-old boy on Monday evening, September 17, alluding he would go to his house or school and hurt him, according to Suffolk County Police Chief Stuart Cameron. Aliperti and the child did not know each other personally, but they had been playing Fortnite together for months, said police.

“For an adult to threaten an 11-year-old kid gives new definition to sore loser,” said Cameron.

The victim’s parents reported Aliperti’s alleged threats to authorities, and he was taken into custody at 1:40 A.M. on September 18.

Security was also increased at RJO Intermediate School in Suffolk County’s Kings Park. “We took this as a school threat,” Cameron explained. “That was done out of an abundance of caution.”

As a result, the Suffolk County district superintendent also sent out a letter, warning families: “We should all use this incident as an important reminder that children should not be gaming with individuals they do not know.”

According to ABC7, Aliperti owns a landscaping company and is a father of three children. His attorney, Andrew Karp, said he has not yet seen the messages police claim Aliperti sent. He also noted his client is stressed out from going through a difficult divorce.

Aliperti, whose bail has been set at $2,500, now faces charges of acting in a manner to injure a child and second-degree aggravated harassment. A judge has granted the child an order of protection.

Watch Now:

Read more: Newsday, MSN, ABC7

Next Up

‘In Pursuit With John Walsh’ And FBI Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Michael Pratt Captured

On Dec. 23, the FBI confirmed they captured fugitive Michael Pratt in Spain. Pratt was arrested in connection with the operation of the GirlsDoPorn adult website.

Inside The Tragic Hart Family Murder-Suicide Crash

Jennifer and Sarah Hart killed themselves and murdered their six adopted children in 2018 by driving their SUV off a cliff in California.

5 Things You Need To Know About Susan Powell

In 2009, mother-of-two Susan Powell disappeared without a trace in West Valley City, Utah. Then in 2012, her husband Josh killed himself and their two sons after custody of the children was granted to Susan's parents.

Two Missing Boys Last Seen Playing Together Found Dead In Different NYC Rivers

The bodies of missing young boys Alfa Barrie, 11, and Garrett Warren, 13, were discovered in two different Manhattan rivers.

It's Been More Than 15 Years Since Bianca Piper Vanished At Age 13

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has a hotline dedicated to finding missing kids. If you know where Bianca "B" Piper is today, please reach out directly: 1-800-THE-LOST

Search For Missing Tennessee Girl Whose Aunt Also Disappeared In 2009 Continues

5-year-old Summer Wells disappeared in 2021, 12 years after her aunt, Rose Marie Bly, went missing. Reports suggest that the two unsolved cases are not connected.

Woman Pleads Guilty To Fatally Shoving 87-Year-Old Broadway Singing Coach

Lauren Pazienza pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years behind bars for the 2022 shoving death of NYC music coach Barbara Maier Gustern.

In February 2001, Steven Kraft, Jr. Took His Dogs Outside And Disappeared

Over two decades ago, a 12-year-old boy went missing from outside his home in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The two dogs he was playing with have since been found but he remains missing.