SAN FRANCISCO — Ricky Pearsall, a rookie wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, was shot and seriously injured Saturday afternoon during an attempted robbery in downtown San Francisco, according to his team. A 17-year-old male suspect is currently in custody.
During a news briefing Saturday evening, San Francisco Police Chief William Scott revealed that Pearsall was walking near Union Square around 3:30 p.m. when the armed suspect confronted him and attempted to rob him, resulting in a physical struggle.
“The struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued, and gunfire from the suspect’s weapon struck both Mr. Pearsall and the suspect,” Scott explained.
Authorities reported that the suspect attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by responding officers.
Both Pearsall and the juvenile suspect were transported to San Francisco General Hospital. The suspect is reported to hail from Tracy, a city in Northern California.
In a statement, the 49ers indicated that Pearsall was in “serious but stable condition” after suffering a “gunshot wound to the chest.” San Francisco Mayor London Breed also confirmed that Pearsall was stable and mentioned that he was “talking, and that’s a good thing.”
The police chief stated that two shots were fired during the confrontation, and the firearm used by the suspect was recovered at the location.
Scott emphasized that there is “no indication” Pearsall was targeted specifically because of his status as a football player. Investigators currently believe the suspect acted alone.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins anticipates filing criminal charges by Wednesday, noting that the suspect will face charges in juvenile court while evidence is reviewed further.
“This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square,” remarked Mayor Breed.
Following this event, additional police presence will be increased in Union Square. Breed stated her intention to combat crime and emphasized that those committing such acts will face accountability through prosecution.
“This is how we hold people accountable in San Francisco,” Breed declared. “Robberies and any violence like this will not be tolerated in our city.”
The 23-year-old Pearsall was drafted by the 49ers in April as the 31st overall pick from the University of Florida.