'Pokemon GO' murder appears to be random shooting
William La Jeunesse reports from Los Angeles
Authorities in San Francisco said Saturday that a 20-year-old man was shot and killed while playing Pokemon GO at a tourist attraction along the city’s waterfront.
Calvin Riley, of San Mateo, was shot Saturday night by an unidentified person at Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square, U.S. Park Police said.
A family friend told KGO-TV that Riley and a friend were playing the smartphone game when he was shot.
"From what we know there was no confrontation. There was nothing said back and forth. It was just senseless, just came up and shot in the back and ran away for nothing," John Kirby said.
Kirby said Riley and his friend had noticed someone was watching them from the top of a hill that overlooks the park. However, it was dark and they were mostly focused on their cellphones.
National Park Service spokesman Lynn Cullivan said investigators believe there are witnesses to the attack because it happened in the bustling Fisherman's Wharf area. They are seeking tips.
Sgt. Robert Jansing, a detective with the U.S. Park Police, said the gunman did not take any of Riley's belongings or try to rob him.
It's unclear whether the attack had anything to do with Pokemon GO, which has become a national sensation this summer as legions of fans visit real-world landmarks in order to find and trap cartoon creatures.
But the game's popularity has created unintended consequences in everyday life. Property owners complain of players trespassing or damaging their grounds and scores of players have been injured or robbed as they stare at their phones in search of digital monsters.
Law enforcement officials have warned about the game's possible dangers, saying players can become engrossed in the game and tune out to their surroundings.
U.S. Park Police have urged anyone with tips to call 415-561-5150.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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