SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A juvenile suspect has been detained after allegedly shooting San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the chest during an attempted robbery on Saturday afternoon, according to officials.
Pearsall, 23, was discharged from San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center on Sunday. The team reported that he was in fair condition.
Pearsall, who played his first three college seasons at Arizona State University before transferring to Florida, accumulated 159 receptions for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns during his college career. He was drafted in the first round by the 49ers in 2024 and had been recovering from injuries during training camp.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Geary Boulevard in the Union Square area as Pearsall was walking to his car with shopping bags. A 17-year-old male from Tracy, California, allegedly tried to rob Pearsall at gunpoint. A struggle ensued, resulting in gunfire that struck both Pearsall and the suspect.
Police quickly responded, providing medical aid and apprehending the suspect, who was also taken to San Francisco General. The suspect’s condition was not immediately released. Investigators believe the suspect acted alone and a weapon was recovered from the scene.
Witnesses reported multiple gunshots, and a video captured Pearsall being helped into an ambulance with a significant chest wound.
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott condemned the violence and vowed cooperation with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to pursue justice. Jenkins indicated that charges would be decided by Tuesday or Wednesday and would be processed through the juvenile court system.
Scott clarified that there is no evidence to suggest Pearsall was targeted due to his affiliation with the 49ers.
The team expressed gratitude to the police, emergency medical services, and hospital staff for their support. Teammate Deebo Samuel also posted a relieved message on social media.
Mayor London Breed expressed confidence in the district attorney’s commitment to prosecuting the case and emphasized that violence and robbery will not be tolerated in San Francisco. She also expressed support for Pearsall and his family and looked forward to his recovery.
Pearsall, who had been struggling with injuries, was expected to contribute to the 49ers as a rookie.
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