SANTA CLARA, Calif. — 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest Saturday afternoon in downtown San Francisco during an attempted robbery.
In a statement released Saturday night, the 49ers said Pearsall is in “serious but stable condition” after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. The suspect, a 17-year-old male from Tracy, California, has been arrested, according to San Francisco Police Chief William Scott.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department, a 911 call at 3:38 p.m. PT reported shots fired at the corner of Geary and Grant streets, about a block from Union Square in San Francisco. Police arrived shortly afterward.
Pearsall was signing autographs at an events center earlier in the afternoon and then headed to Union Square, according to ABC 7 San Francisco.
According to the San Francisco Police Department, a physical altercation occurred between Pearsall and the suspect during the attempted robbery, and both were injured. Pearsall and the suspect were later transported to San Francisco General Hospital.
Scott said Saturday night that there was “no indication” that the suspect targeted Pearsall because he is a professional football player and added that a gun was involved with multiple shots fired during the attempted robbery. Scott said the suspect was acting alone “as far as we know,” but said the numerous surveillance cameras in the area would be reviewed as the investigation continues.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed confirmed that Pearsall is in stable condition. Scott added that Pearsall had been alert enough to speak with police about the shooting, but that further discussions would continue as Pearsall recovered.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said a decision on whether to charge the suspect, who she said is a juvenile, will be made Tuesday or Wednesday.
“Thankfully, our dedicated officers made a quick arrest in this case and we will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served,” Scott said in a statement.
Fellow 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. posted that he was “doing okay… Thank God” in reference to Pearsall and the team said its “thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”
The Niners selected Pearsall with the 31st pick in April's NFL draft out of the University of Florida.
