(Cupventi.com) – Ricky Pearsall, a rookie wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery on Saturday afternoon in downtown San Francisco. The incident occurred near the bustling Union Square, a block away from Geary and Grant streets. According to the San Francisco Fire Department, the shooting was reported via a 911 call at 3:38 p.m. PT, and police arrived on the scene shortly after.
In an official statement released later that evening, the 49ers confirmed that Pearsall is in “serious but stable condition” following the gunshot wound to his chest. His mother, in a social media post on Sunday, provided an update, stating that the bullet had exited through Pearsall’s back without hitting any vital organs. She emphasized how fortunate her son was to have survived the ordeal.
The suspect, identified as a 17-year-old male from Tracy, California, was apprehended by the San Francisco Police Department shortly after the incident. San Francisco Police Chief William Scott provided details about the attempted robbery, stating that a physical altercation between Pearsall and the suspect led to both individuals being injured. They were subsequently transported to San Francisco General Hospital for treatment.
Scott further clarified that there was “no indication” the suspect targeted Pearsall due to his status as a professional football player. He confirmed that only one gun was involved in the incident, with multiple shots fired during the altercation. The investigation is ongoing, and police are reviewing surveillance footage from the area to gather more information.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed confirmed that Pearsall is in stable condition, and Chief Scott noted that Pearsall was alert enough to speak with police about the shooting. Further discussions with Pearsall are planned as he continues to recover.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that a decision on charges against the suspect, who is a juvenile, is expected by Tuesday or Wednesday. “Thankfully, our hard-working officers made a swift arrest in this case, and we will do everything within our power to ensure justice is served,” Chief Scott said in a statement.
The 49ers organization, along with fellow players, have expressed their support for Pearsall and his family during this difficult time. Deebo Samuel Sr., a fellow 49ers receiver, reassured fans on social media, stating, “He’s good …Thank god,” while the team sent their “thoughts and prayers” to Pearsall and his loved ones.
Pearsall was selected by the 49ers with the 31st overall pick in the NFL Draft in April, coming out of the University of Florida. The young athlete was signing autographs at an event center earlier in the day before heading to Union Square, where the tragic incident took place.