San Francisco robber killed when bullet ricochets off victim's face

Officials in San Francisco are saying that a 16-year-old thief who was killed earlier this month was fatally shot when a bullet fired by an accomplice ricocheted off their victim’s face.

The details about the death of 16-year-old Clifton Chatman were released at the same time police were announcing that they had another 16-year old in custody on suspicion of murder and attempted robbery.

During the incident, police say a group of thieves converged on the victim around 11 p.m. in the Alemany public housing complex. The suspects took the victim’s cellphone and then one of them pulled out a gun.

Even though the victim complied with the alleged thieves’ demands, a shot was still fired. Police say that the bullet ricocheted off the victim's face and fatally wounded Chatman. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim of the robbery was hospitalized and is expected to survive. Police are still looking for additional suspects.

[San Francisco Gate]