Ricky Pearsall, the dynamic rookie wide receiver with the San Francisco 49ers, was shot in the chest in an attempted robbery in Union Square on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at 3:30 PM when a 17-year-old suspect walked up to Pearsall and pulled out a gun; a struggle then ensued between the two.
49ers first-round pick Ricky Pearsall was shot today in San Francisco during a robbery attempt. He’s in stable condition. The suspect was arrested. PIC.TWITTER.COM/4ILWCZMGAM
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
Pearsall, 23, an NFL rookie, was stunned by the outbreak of violence. The bullet came in through the right side of his chest and out through his back. Thankfully, it would narrowly miss vital organs. After being rushed to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Pearsall was listed in serious but stable condition. But in a stroke of good fortune, less than 24 hours later, he was released and upgraded in fair condition.
As Pearsall recuperates, the suspect teenager from Tracy, California, about 60 miles east of San Francisco, is also hospitalized but in serious legal trouble. He was taken into custody at the scene by the San Francisco Police Department upon committing the crime and swiftly executed to make certain that the public was safe.
The gun used in the commission of the crime has been impounded, and the youthful suspect is in custody facing charges possibly of attempted murder and armed robbery. Mayoral London Breed joined District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and Police Chief William Scott to hold a news conference about the incident. The trio said community safety was paramount and reassured the public that such violence would not be tolerated in San Francisco.
“We stand in unity to ensure our city remains a safe place for all,” said Mayor Breed. “This is a tough situation for Ricky, but he’s a fighter. We look forward to seeing him back on the field soon.”The mayor’s utterances are echoed by the team and the entire San Francisco community, which has rallied behind the athlete during his tough time.
Meanwhile, the 49ers nation is rallying behind Pearsall, an instant fan favorite. His road to the NFL was impressive: He had record seasons in high school and became a household name at the University of Florida. With some pretty impressive stats—98 receptions for 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns—he was taken 31st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. This has evoked support from peers and fans, who are sending well-wishes as Pearsall recuperates from this harrowing experience.
As the robbery investigation is far from over, police are still working to build up the suspect’s background. Due to his age, the teenager’s name has not been released, though the San Francisco District Attorney’s office plans on filing charges in juvenile court soon. Depending on how the charges finally work out, it’s conceivable the suspect could be tried as an adult, which would entail far graver consequences.
