Can you start with Pikachu in Pokemon Go?

After digging deeper it seems you can in fact start with pikachu in Pokémon Go.

Reddit post "You can get pikachu as your starter pokémon"

You need to walk away from the three starters in the beginning of the game, just like in the animé. After you walk away from them 4? Times, Pikachu will show up.

pop news article agreeing that walking away gets you pikachu

You can! Walk away from the original starters four or five times and then a Pikachu will show up along with them (though not on its own as I originally thought, so be on the lookout)!

Happy hunting!