49ers’ Ricky Pearsall shot during attempted robbery, in stable condition
San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery in San Francisco on Saturday afternoon, San Francisco police said.
Pearsall is in “serious but stable condition” after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest, the 49ers said in a statement. Police said a 17-year-old suspect from Tracy, California — about 60 miles east of San Francisco — was taken into custody.
The incident occurred in the Union Square area of San Francisco. During a press conference Saturday night, SFPD Chief William Scott said Pearsall was walking alone when the suspect approached him. A “physical altercation” ensued during the attempted robbery and both Pearsall and the suspect were shot during the struggle, police said.
Scott said more than one shot was fired, but would not confirm how many times each individual was shot. Both Pearsall and the suspect were taken to a local hospital and are in stable condition. The suspect’s weapon was found at the scene, Scott said.
Scott said there was no indication Pearsall was targeted because he is an NFL player. He said police believe the suspect was working alone, but they are checking video cameras in Union Square as part of their investigation.
Scott said police have spoken to Pearsall about what happened.
“I can say this: He spoke and that’s good,” Scott said. “Again, he’s stable. So we still have to go back and confirm some things. So there’s more work to be done on that.”
Scott added that SFPD provided security at General Hospital while Pearsall was being treated. A group of 49ers officials, including general manager John Lynch and medical and security personnel, also drove to San Francisco Saturday afternoon to care for Pearsall.
“We have officers here now,” Scott said. “It’s an ongoing investigation and we want to make sure he gets what he needs.”
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said she expects to make a decision on charges Tuesday or Wednesday. Because the suspect is 17, she said, “those charges will be filed in juvenile court at this time.”
“I am confident that our district attorney will take the necessary steps to prosecute this case,” said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. “This is how we hold the people of San Francisco accountable. Robbery and violence will not be tolerated in our city.”
“Statistics don’t matter when incidents like this happen. What matters is supporting the victim and holding accountable those who break our laws and endanger the lives of others.”
Pearsall, 23, was the 31st pick in this year’s NFL Draft. He played three seasons at Arizona State before transferring to Florida for his final two years of college.
After the shooting, Pearsall’s 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel tweeted, “He’s good. Thank God!!!!”
He is good🤞🏾🙏🏾. Thank God!!!!
— Deebo (@19problemz) September 1, 2024
In 2017, 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster and linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong escaped an attempted armed robbery outside a San Francisco nightclub around 2 a.m. on the 300th block of Post Street — blocks from where Pearsall was shot — in San Francisco.
— Matt Barrows and David Lombardi contributed reporting.
(Photo: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
