San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall found himself in a terrifying situation over the weekend when he was shot during an attempted robbery in San Francisco. The San Francisco Police Department revealed the details of the incident.
Pearsall is currently in “serious but stable condition” after being shot in the chest, as stated by the 49ers in a release. The police have arrested a 17-year-old suspect from Tracy, California, in connection with the incident.
The shocking event unfolded in the Union Square area of San Francisco. During a press conference, SFPD chief William Scott explained that Pearsall was walking alone when the suspect approached him, resulting in a physical altercation. Both Pearsall and the suspect suffered gunshot wounds during the struggle.
Despite multiple shots being fired, the exact number of wounds each received was not disclosed by Scott. Both individuals were rushed to a local hospital and are currently in stable condition. The suspect’s firearm was recovered at the scene.
According to Scott, there is no evidence suggesting that Pearsall was targeted due to his NFL status. Initial investigations point towards the suspect acting alone, although surveillance footage from Union Square is being reviewed.
Scott also mentioned that Pearsall has been cooperative in providing details about the incident. “I can say this: He was talking and that’s a good thing,” Scott assured. Additional security has been deployed at the hospital where Pearsall is receiving treatment.
A group of 49ers officials, including GM John Lynch, medical staff, and security personnel, rushed to San Francisco to offer support to Pearsall. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins plans to make a charging decision within the next few days, as the suspect is a minor.
The Mayor of San Francisco, London Breed, stressed the importance of accountability in such cases. “Robberies and any violence will not be tolerated in our city,” she emphasized.
Pearsall, a standout from Arizona State and Florida, was selected in the most recent NFL Draft. Following the incident, his teammate Deebo Samuel expressed relief on Twitter, “He’s good. Thank God!!!!”
He’s good🤞🏾🙏🏾. Thank God!!!!
— Deebo (@19problemz) September 1, 2024
In a strange twist, this incident is not the first involving 49ers players in San Francisco. In 2017, Reuben Foster and Ray-Ray Armstrong encountered an armed robbery attempt near the location where Pearsall was shot. Fortunately, both incidents had relatively positive outcomes.
— Matt Barrows and David Lombardi contributed to this report.
(Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
