SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A juvenile suspect is in custody after allegedly shooting San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the chest during an attempted robbery in downtown San Francisco Saturday afternoon, officials said.
Pearsall, 23, was released from San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center on Sunday, the team said in a statement. His condition was listed as stable.
Pearsall was walking alone with shopping bags to his car shortly after 3:30 p.m. Saturday when a suspect attempted to rob him with a gun on Geary Boulevard in the Union Square area, officials said.
“A struggle ensued between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect, and shots from the suspect's weapon struck both Mr. Pearsall and the suspect,” San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said during a news conference.
Officers on scene responded immediately, provided emergency medical care and arrested the suspect.
Police identified the suspect as a 17-year-old man from Tracy, California, about 60 miles east of San Francisco, who was also taken to San Francisco General. His condition was not immediately released.
Witnesses reported hearing several shots. A gun believed to have belonged to the suspect was recovered. Investigators believe he acted alone, Scott said.
A video recorded by a witness showed Pearsall being taken into an ambulance, shirtless and with a large wound on his chest. San Francisco Chronicle reported.
“This type of violence is simply unacceptable in our city and we will do everything in our power to work with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to ensure justice is served in this case,” Scott said.
Jenkins told reporters at the press conference that her office expects to make a decision on charges by Tuesday or Wednesday and will first file any charges in juvenile court.
Scott said there was no evidence that Pearsall was the target because he plays on the city's football team.
“He and his family, as well as the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, EMS, doctors and staff at San Francisco General Hospital,” the team said in a statement on Sunday.
“He’s good,” 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel published to X. “Thank God!!!!”
Mayor London Breed expressed her confidence in the District Attorney's actions in prosecuting the case.
“This is how we hold the people of San Francisco accountable. Robberies and acts of violence like this will not be tolerated in our city,” Breed said during the press conference, thanking hospital staff, police and emergency responders, including San Francisco firefighters.
“This was a horrific and rare incident at Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family. He has a bright future and I look forward to seeing him back on the field,” Breed said.
Pearsall was drafted 31st in the first round by the 49ers in April, but has been slowed by injuries since joining the team.
He missed some time of training camp due to hamstring and shoulder problems before returning to training last week in a non-contact blue jersey while his shoulder heals.
Pearsall began his college career at Arizona State and transferred to Florida for his final two seasons. He had 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns for the Gators last season and finished his college career with 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 TDs.
The Niners had hoped that Pearsall could contribute as a rookie replacing regulars Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel.
