San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, 23, was shot during an attempted robbery near Union Square, San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced Saturday. The 49ers released a statement Pearsall suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and is in a serious but stable condition.
The findings of a preliminary investigation indicate that one man attempted to rob Pearsall. During this attempted robbery, a physical altercation occurred in which both parties were injured. The suspect is in custody and both men have been transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. according to the San Francisco Police Department.
Pearsall’s mother, Erin, provided an update on his status.
“He got shot in the chest and everything exited through his back” she posted on social media, via David Lombardi of TheAthletic.com. “Thank God he missed his vital organs. He is in good spirits at the moment.”
The police told me Fox40 that Pearsall was shot when the suspect tried to steal his Rolex watch. The 49ers wideout was on his way to a signing event at the time. A struggle ensued over the gun and both Pearsall and the suspect were shot.
Police have since identified a 17-year-old boy as a suspect in the Pearsall shooting.
San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said the suspect tried to rob Pearsall at gunpoint, a struggle ensued, multiple shots were fired and both Pearsall and the suspect were shot by the suspect’s gun.
Police arrested the suspect as he tried to run away. He has been identified as a 17-year-old male living in Tracy, California. His name has not been released and the district attorney’s office said he will be charged in juvenile court.
Scott said police recovered the gun and that, to their knowledge, the suspect acted alone and did not specifically target Pearsall because he is a player for the 49ers.
The former Florida Gators pass catcher was selected with the No. 31 overall pick in 2024 NFL draft this offseason. Last season he caught 65 passes for 965 yards and four touchdowns for the Gators.
Pearsall recently returned to 49ers practice after missing the past three weeks due to a subluxation of his left shoulder. according to NBC Sports Bay Area.
CBS Sports will update this developing story soon.