San Francisco 49ers Rookie Ricky Pearsall Shot in Robbery Attempt
San Francisco 49ers first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall was shot and wounded by a teenage thief who attempted to steal his Rolex watch in the troubled California city on Saturday, as reported by police and news outlets.
The 23-year-old rookie was walking alone in San Francisco’s Union Square around 3:37 p.m. when a 17-year-old armed with a gun tried to rob him on Geary Street near Grant Street, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott informed reporters at a press conference.
During the robbery, reportedly for the NFLer’s luxury watch, there was a struggle over the weapon which fired multiple times leaving Pearsall shot in the chest, according to police.
The teen, who is from Tracy, California, also suffered a gunshot wound.
Both individuals were taken to San Francisco General Hospital, Scott said.
Pearsall is in “serious but stable condition” as stated by the 49ers organization in a released statement.
The teenage suspect is also in stable condition, according to police.
The suspect was arrested almost immediately by responding officers as he attempted to flee the scene on foot, Scott mentioned. A gun was recovered by the police.
There is “no indication [Pearsall] was targeted because he is a football player,” Scott informed reporters.
Video footage from the scene obtained by KTVU shows Pearsall shirtless walking to the ambulance with first responders.
He appears to be holding his shirt over a wound on his torso as he’s placed on a stretcher. An EMT removes the covering, revealing a large blood stain on his bare skin as he’s loaded into the vehicle, the clip shows.
“Robberies and any violence like this will not be tolerated in our city,” San Francisco Mayor London Breen stated.
“When incidents like this occur, what matters is supporting the victim and holding those accountable who break our laws and endanger the lives of others,” she added, offering her thoughts and prayers to Pearsall and his family.
Charges are still pending for the juvenile. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins mentioned she anticipates a charging decision to be made early next week in juvenile court due to the suspect’s age.
“We are not a city that will be tolerant of this type of conduct,” Jenkins emphasized.
A Union Square security guard told The San Francisco Chronicle she witnessed a man, possibly the robber, running into the Diptyque store carrying bags. Several shots rang out, causing people to scream and run for their lives, she described.
Hours later, about a dozen cops remained at the taped-off scene and were seen dusting two Teslas for fingerprints, according to the paper.
Pearsall’s teammate and fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel tweeted, “He’s good. Thank god!!!!”
The Arizona State University and University of Florida wide receiver was selected 31st overall by the Niners in this year’s draft after an impressive 65-catch, 965-yard 2023 season with the Gators.
He missed all of the 49ers preseason games due to a shoulder injury. Pearsall participated in just six of 19 training camp practices before he was sidelined, NBC Bay Area reported.
Pearsall had just recovered enough to begin practicing with his new team when the unfortunate incident occurred.
