Local Man Going To Prison For Shooting NFL Running Back

NORRISTOWN (CBS) - A 25-year-old Philadelphia man will spend at least seven years behind bars in state prison after pumping several bullets into an NFL running back last year in Elkins Park. Prosecutors call this a case of mistaken identity.

Anthony Peterson pleaded guilty to a felony aggravated assault charge in connection with a July 2009 shooting in Cheltenham that seriously injured Curtis Brinkley. Brinkley was sitting in his car waiting for his sister to get off work when he was shot several times.

Prosecutor John Gradel says Peterson, who fathered a child with Brinkley's sister, was after someone else:

"He thought he was shooting his rival for his girlfriend's affections and he didn't recognize the car that was outside the place where his sister worked. He thought it was the new boyfriend."

Gradel says Brinkley was uncooperative with authorities during the investigation and they were prepared to lock him up along with other witnesses who did not want to testify if the case went to trial.

Brinkley is on the San Diego Chargers practice squad and was a standout running back at West Catholic and Syracuse.

Reported by: Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio