San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon, according to a statement from the NFL team.
CNN reports that Pearsall is currently in serious but stable condition following the incident. The San Francisco Police Department stated that a 17-year-old suspect attempted to rob Pearsall at gunpoint as the player was walking alone around 3:30 p.m. PT.
According to San Francisco Police Chief William Scott, gunfire from the suspect's weapon struck both Pearsall and the assailant. The chief confirmed that multiple shots were fired during the encounter. The exact number of times Pearsall was hit remains unclear, but it has been reported that he suffered a chest wound.
The suspect, identified as a 17-year-old resident of Tracy, California, attempted to flee the scene but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement. Police officers provided immediate aid to both Pearsall and the suspect before transporting them to a hospital for treatment.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins addressed the media, stating that charges against the juvenile suspect will be filed in juvenile court. A final charging decision is expected to be made by Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week.
Chief Scott emphasized that there is no indication Pearsall was targeted because of his status as a professional football player. The police department believes this was a random attempted robbery rather than a premeditated attack on the athlete.
Investigators are currently reviewing video footage from the area and continuing to gather evidence. Chief Scott mentioned that Pearsall was stable enough to speak with police, but further confirmation of details is still needed. Only one firearm was involved in the incident, and it has been recovered by law enforcement.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed described the shooting as "a terrible and rare incident in Union Square," expressing her hope for Pearsall's swift recovery and return to the football field.
Ricky Pearsall, a 23-year-old rookie, was drafted by the 49ers with the 31st pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Prior to joining the NFL, he had a successful collegiate career, playing three years at Arizona State and two at Florida. In his final season with Florida, Pearsall accumulated 965 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
The 49ers organization released a statement expressing their concern for Pearsall: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family." Teammate Deebo Samuel took to social media to reassure fans, stating simply, "He's good. Thank god!!!!"
In response to the incident, Chief Scott announced that additional officers would be deployed in the Union Square area. He acknowledged the public's potential anxiety following such an event and emphasized the department's commitment to ensuring public safety.
The 49ers are scheduled to play their first game of the season against the New York Jets on September 9. It is unclear at this time how Pearsall's injury will affect his availability for the upcoming season opener and beyond.
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon. A 17-year-old suspect is in custody, and Pearsall is reported to be in serious but stable condition. The incident occurred in Union Square, with police investigating it as a random robbery attempt rather than a targeted attack on the NFL player. The 49ers organization and teammates have expressed support for Pearsall, while local authorities have pledged increased security measures in the area.
