San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been released from San Francisco General Hospital following a shooting during an attempted robbery. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon in central San Francisco, according to officials.
Pearsall, 23, was in fair condition when he was discharged on Sunday. The shooting took place shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Geary Boulevard in the Union Square area, where Pearsall was walking to his car carrying shopping bags. A juvenile suspect allegedly attempted to rob him at gunpoint.
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott stated that a struggle ensued between Pearsall and the suspect, resulting in gunfire from the suspect’s weapon that injured both Pearsall and the suspect. Officers arrived promptly, administered emergency medical aid, and apprehended the suspect.
The suspect, a 17-year-old male from Tracy, California, was also taken to San Francisco General Hospital. His condition has not been disclosed. A gun believed to belong to the suspect was recovered at the scene. Police believe the suspect acted alone.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, and a video recorded by a witness showed Pearsall, who was shirtless with a chest wound, being assisted into an ambulance.
“This kind of violence is simply unacceptable in our city and we will do everything in our power to work with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to ensure that justice is served in this matter,” said Chief Scott.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins indicated that her office plans to make a charging decision by Tuesday or Wednesday and will initially file charges in juvenile court.
Scott emphasized there is no evidence suggesting Pearsall was targeted because of his role with the 49ers. Pearsall, his family, and the 49ers organization have expressed gratitude to the San Francisco Police Department, medical staff, and emergency responders.
49ers teammate Deebo Samuel posted on X, “He’s good, thank god!!!!”
San Francisco Mayor London Breed expressed confidence in the district attorney’s prosecution efforts. “This is how we hold people accountable in San Francisco. Robberies and any violence like this will not be tolerated in our city,” Breed said. She also thanked hospital staff, police, and first responders for their efforts.
Breed added, “This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family. He has a bright future and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field.”
Pearsall, drafted by the 49ers in April with the 31st overall pick, has faced injury setbacks since joining the team. He missed part of training camp due to hamstring and shoulder issues but returned to practice last week with a noncontact blue jersey.
Pearsall, who began his college career at Arizona State before transferring to Florida, concluded his college career with 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns. The 49ers had hoped he would contribute as a rookie, serving as a backup to Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
