Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers’ first-round draft pick from this spring, was shot during a robbery attempt on Saturday afternoon near Union Square in San Francisco.
According to NBC Bay Area, Pearsall is currently in stable condition. A bullet went through one of his arms, while the suspect was reported to have sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, as noted by Kirsten Moran-Keller from Fox40.
49ers player Deebo Samuel expressed relief on social media, stating, “He’s good. Thank god!!!!” along with prayer and crossed fingers emojis.
The San Francisco Police Department revealed that a physical confrontation occurred during the attempted robbery, resulting in injuries to both Pearsall and the suspect, who is now in custody with charges forthcoming.
San Francisco Fire Department Captain Justin Schorr confirmed that two individuals were transported to the hospital for suspected gunshot wounds but did not disclose their identities. The first 911 call regarding gunfire was received at 3:38 PM, near Union Square. Schorr mentioned that one victim is in critical condition, while Pearsall is in stable condition at San Francisco General.
Reporters, including KTVU’s Sal Castaneda, have indicated that Pearsall’s Rolex watch was the target of the robbery attempt.
San Francisco Police Chief William Scott conveyed his shock and sadness over the incident, emphasizing that such violence is unacceptable in the city and extending wishes for Pearsall’s swift recovery.
Earlier in the day, Pearsall had been signing autographs at a card show at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.
Neither the San Francisco Police Department nor the 49ers have provided immediate comments regarding the situation.
At 23 years old, Pearsall hails from Phoenix, Arizona, and is preparing for his first NFL season after spending the last two years at the University of Florida and three prior years at Arizona State. A shoulder injury has sidelined him from practice for the past 3.5 weeks, and the history of partial dislocations in his left shoulder has caused ongoing issues since his college days. Pearsall’s return to practice is still uncertain as the 49ers gear up for their regular-season opener against the New York Jets on September 9 at Levi’s Stadium.