Young man shot to death while playing ‘Pokemon Go’ at tourist attraction
ASSOCIATED PRESS / AUG. 2015
In this file photo, a couple on rental bicycles stop to take pictures at Aquatic Park of the hazy skyline in San Francisco. A 20-year-old man was shot to death while playing “Pokemon Go” at a Aquatic Park near Ghiradelli Square, authorities and a family friend said today.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
“Pokemon Go” is displayed on a cell phone in Los Angeles on July 8.
SAN FRANCISCO » A 20-year-old man was shot to death while playing “Pokemon Go” at a tourist attraction along San Francisco’s waterfront, authorities and a family friend said today.
Calvin Riley was shot Saturday night by an unknown assailant at Aquatic Park near Ghiradelli Square, the U.S. Park Police said.
A family friend told KGO-TV Riley and a friend were playing the hit mobile 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 watching them from the top of a hill that overlooks the park, but it was dark and they were mostly looking at 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.
25 responses to “Young man shot to death while playing ‘Pokemon Go’ at tourist attraction”
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Oh, the suspect was just an Illegal? Well then, move along folks. These people deserve sanctuary in SFO. Nothing to see here.
Have you always written fiction?
Let’s ask Kate Steinle about that.
Oh, sorry, she’s unavailable for eternity.
Wait doesn’t California, San Francisco in particular, have some of the strictest gun laws in the nation? How did this shooting happen? The gun laws didn’t stop the shooter? Hmm…
I don’t know if SF has the strict gun laws BUT we do know SF has sanctuary cities
It’s sad and a little scary that people pay more attention to their phones than to what is happening in real life right in front of them.
Because being shot in the back at night is something we can all watch out for right?
Oh, so you can only look one direction? Maybe only if you are paying a stupid game
Or, not have eyes in the back of your head.
Amen Sara … most of the pedestrian fatalities are because the pedestrian is not paying attention. Sure the Law says the pedestrian has the right of way in a crosswalk …but… when you get hit by a car, the car will always win. Your family can sue the driver and will probably win …but… the person who is dead is …well… dead. Hate to put it that way but like “Sara” says people are more concerned about their phones vs what is happening in real life in front of them. Next time you’re in your car, keep an eye out for pedestrians and see who is and who isn’t paying attention. The one that scared me the most was a “Grandma” walking what I assumed was a Grandkid, crossing the street, looking at the kid, and never even looked if there was a car headed her way … attended my Neighborhood Board meeting last week and spoke to an HPD Sgt about that. He totally agreed … excellent observation/comment “Sara”
Pokemon Go is no game if the risks of getting killed or hurt are greater than a joyous entertainment! “fFools rushed in, where Angels fear to thread!”
*Fools
Joyous entertainment? I have a better theory; for anyone over the age of 10 it is a means of avoidance and lack of self worth.
yes people…don’t do anything because there is a chance you will be killed, literally. STOP WITH THE CLICK BAIT ALREADY. The media is peddling trumped up news stories to generate hysteria to continue selling their slurry. This story and its weak connection is like saying rain is a killer because it leads to pneumonia in senior citizens…
There are a whole lot of mostly men that need to grow up fast and loose the electronic games. (20 years old and playing with japanese cartoon characters. Really!!!!)
I hope you don’t go to the movie theater, you might be exposed to live action portrayals of comic book characters. Could be harmful to your psyche.
Sadly this game sets up participants to become targets for those (terrorist or otherwise) who aim to assault innocents. Warnings on having your “threat indicators” up and cognizant of what’s happening around you as well working in pairs (two deep) should be employed playing this game. “Threat indicators” up should be applied in your everyday life (i.e. getting in and out of parked car, walking, while at ATM machine, etc.)
Ban the game. Senseless game anyway.
Best comment yet!
It wasn’t intended for old guys like us.
Yep, don’t want people outdoors in the fresh air, getting exercise, and socializing. Best they stay indoors, sitting in front of a t.v., and getting fat.
Change the name of the game to “Curiosity killed the Cat”.
“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.” This has been a problem way before Pokeman Go.
I’ve discussed the game with police officers, and they say the game isn’t a problem. The players are not causing trouble, not being destructive, and are generally well behaved.
People are so engrossed in playing that stupid game they paid no attention to their surrounds.How sad. Don’t these people have anything better to do? Millennials with no jobs and live with mommy and daddy.