SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – San Francisco 49ers first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery Saturday, according to authorities. A juvenile suspect has been taken into custody.
Pearsall, drafted by the 49ers in April, was walking alone on Geary Boulevard in San Francisco's Union Square area shortly after 3:30 p.m. PDT on Saturday when the suspect tried to rob him with a gun.
“A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject," Police Chief Bill Scott said, noting more than one shot was fired.
Pearsall suffered a bullet wound to his chest and was listed as being in stable condition as of Saturday evening.
Officers in the area responded immediately and provided emergency medical aid and arrested the suspect, a 17-year-old Tracy resident. He was also transported to the hospital but his condition wasn't immediately available.
San Francisco Police said charges were pending against the minor, with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins noting “there will be accountability.” A charging decision is expected by Tuesday or Wednesday and will initially be filed in the juvenile court system.
A gun allegedly belonging to the suspect was recovered and investigators believe he acted alone, Scott said. He added that there was no indication Pearsall was targeted because he is a player for the city's football team.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed called the shooting “a terrible and rare incident in Union Square.” Breed also express gratitude to SFPD for responding quickly to the scene.
Pearsall’s teammate Deebo Samuel posted on X, “He’s good. Thank god!!!!”
“We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time,” the 49ers said in a statement Saturday, adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”
Pearsall was drafted in the first round in April by the 49ers with the 31st overall pick but has been slowed by injuries since joining the team.
He missed time during training camp due to hamstring and shoulder issues before returning to practice this past week with a noncontact 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 last season for the Gators and finished his college career with 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 TDs.
The Niners have hoped Pearsall could contribute as a rookie as a backup to starters Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
