Ricky Pearsall, the rookie wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. PT when a 17-year-old suspect attempted to rob Pearsall at gunpoint, leading to an altercation that resulted in both Pearsall and the suspect sustaining injuries. The San Francisco Police Department reported that multiple shots were fired from the suspect’s gun, striking both Pearsall and the assailant.
San Francisco Police Chief William Scott confirmed that the suspect, a resident of Tracy, California, was apprehended while attempting to flee the scene. The suspect is currently in custody and will face charges in juvenile court, with a decision on the charges expected by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Pearsall, 23, was taken to a hospital where he is in serious but stable condition. Despite the severity of the incident, police stated that there is no indication Pearsall was targeted because of his status as a professional football player, and it is believed that the robbery was the primary motive.
In response to the shooting, San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Police Chief Scott both expressed their shock and sadness, condemning the violence. “This kind of violence has no place in our city and will never be tolerated,” Scott said in a statement on social media.
The 49ers, in their official statement, expressed their concern and support for Pearsall and his family, while teammate Deebo Samuel took to social media to reassure fans that Pearsall was “good” and thanked God for his safety.
Pearsall, who was drafted by the 49ers with the 31st pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has had a promising start to his professional career. Before joining the NFL, he played three years at Arizona State and two years at Florida, where he finished his final collegiate season with 965 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
The 49ers are scheduled to play their first game of the season against the New York Jets on September 9. Pearsall had just returned to practice after recovering from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him for the team’s preseason games.
In light of the incident, Chief Scott assured the public that additional police presence would be maintained in Union Square to ensure safety and address any public anxiety resulting from the shooting.