49ers player shot during attempted robbery
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES: Fox News' Christina Coleman and former D.C. homicide detective Ted Williams discuss the shooting of San Francisco 49ers player Ricky Pearsall during an attempted robbery.
A San Francisco police sergeant recalled the moment he heard gunshots and ran to the scene to find 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.
Sgt. Joelle Harrell didn't know at the time that she was helping an NFL player. Pearsall was shot and wounded in an attempted robbery when a 17-year-old boy allegedly tried to snatch a Rolex from her wrist in the city's Union Square area.
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, #14, runs through drills during the 49ers rookie minicamp at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on May 10, 2024. (Robert Kupbens-USA TODAY Sports)
Harrell and Pearsall put pressure on the wound when she learned he was a 49ers football player. She then asked Harrell if he was going to die, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
“You're strong,” she told the Chronicle she told Pearsall in an article published Monday. “Just focus on your breathing.”
She added: “And he listened to me. He calmed down, and that's what I wanted him to do.”
The bullet that hit Pearsall went through his chest and exited through his back. He left the hospital less than 24 hours after the shooting.
Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall looks on during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on March 23, 2024. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
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Pearsall's mother, Erin, wrote on Facebook that her son was lucky to be alive.
“Updates on my baby,” she began. “First and foremost, I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby. He is very lucky, GOD protected him. He was shot in the chest and exited through the back. Thank GOD, it spared his vital organs.
“He is in good spirits now,” she added. “Life is very precious, my friends. Please love each other. My son was saved today by the grace of GOD. Please pray for my baby.”
Ricky Pearsall is selected as the 31st pick in the first round by the San Francisco 49ers during the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit on April 25, 2024. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
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Pearsall was placed on the non-football injury list to start the season.
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