SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has been charged with illegally possessing assault weapons, California prosecutors said Wednesday.
Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen said Smith, 24, is facing three felony counts in connection with a June 29, 2012, party at his San Jose residence during which two people were injured by gunfire and Smith was stabbed.
The linebacker -- one of the NFL's premier pass rushers with 19 1/2 sacks last season -- was placed on the 49ers' reserve/non-football injury list last month to enter a drug rehabilitation treatment following an arrest on charges of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.
Smith, who is expected to self-surrender on the assault weapons charges this month, faces a sentence of up to four years and four months in jail if convicted.
Prosecutors said a "widely-promoted" party at Smith's home turned violent when gang members paid admission to attend, then became confrontational with other guests.
Smith allegedly fired a .45 caliber handgun into the air to disperse the crowd, and gang members responded by shooting and injuring two guests.
As the assaults were taking place, another unknown person entered Smith's bedroom, removed an assault weapon, and carried it around the party, prosecutors said.
A subsequent search of Smith's home turned up three assault weapons deemed illegal California.
