Attempted Murder Charge Dismissed Against San Carlos Man Who Shot Son in Argument

By Bay City News, image via Shutterstock

San Mateo County prosecutors on Monday dismissed an attempted murder charge against a San Carlos man who shot his son in April during an argument at their home.

Charges were dismissed against Alan Van Fisher, 65, after his son stopped cooperating with prosecutors, according to District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

Fisher had claimed self defense in the shooting and without his son’s testimony, prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to disprove the claim.

Prosecutors said Fisher, a retired obstetrician, got into an argument that escalated into a fight with his 33-year-old son on April 22 at the home in the 800 block of Crestview Drive.

Prosecutors said Fisher had been drinking and that his son has alcohol and anger management problems.

The victim allegedly had a pocketknife and Fisher armed himself with a .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun, then shot his son in the neck and abdomen, prosecutors said. Fisher, who was uninjured, told deputies investigating the case that he had to defend himself from his son.

Fisher called 911 after the shooting and his son was taken by ambulance to Stanford Hospital. A call to Fisher’s defense attorney Richard Weese was not immediately returned this morning.