SAN FRANCISCO — A juvenile suspect is in custody after allegedly shooting San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the chest Saturday afternoon during an attempted robbery in downtown San Francisco, authorities said.
Pearsall, 23, was in stable condition at San Francisco General Hospital and the San Francisco Trauma Center, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said at a news briefing Saturday.
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On Sunday morning, Pearsall’s mother shared an update on Facebook saying her son was in “good spirits” and that the bullet had missed all vital organs.
Pearsall was walking alone shortly after 3:30 p.m. when a suspect attempted to rob him at gunpoint on Geary Boulevard in the Union Square neighborhood.
“A struggle ensued between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect and gunshots from the suspect’s weapon struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject,” said Scott, who noted that more than one shot was fired.
Area officers responded immediately and provided emergency medical assistance and arrested the suspect.
49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot and killed during an attempted robbery in Union Square on Saturday, authorities confirmed.
Police identified the suspect as a 17-year-old male from Tracy, California, about 63 miles (101 kilometers) east of San Francisco, who was also taken to San Francisco General Hospital. His condition was not immediately released.
A weapon believed to belong to the suspect was recovered and investigators believe he acted alone, Scott said.
“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 justice is served in this case,” Scott said.
Jenkins told reporters at the briefing that his office expects to make a charging decision by Tuesday or Wednesday and that he would first file any charges with the juvenile court system.
Scott said there was no indication Pearsall was targeted because he is a player on the city’s football team.
The 49ers released a statement earlier saying Pearsall was shot in the chest and described his condition as serious but stable.
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“We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time,” the team said, adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”
“He’s doing great,” his 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel posted on X. “Thank God!!!!!”
Mayor London Breed said she has confidence in the district attorney’s actions to prosecute the case.
“This is how we hold people accountable in San Francisco. Robberies and any violence of this type will not be tolerated in our city,” Breed said at the briefing, expressing gratitude to hospital staff, police and first responders, including San Francisco Fire Department personnel.
“This is a terrible and rare incident that occurred at Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family. He has a bright future ahead of him and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field,” Breed said.
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 with hamstring and shoulder issues before returning to practice last week in a blue non-contact jersey while his shoulder heals.
Pearsall began his college career at the University of Arizona and transferred to Florida for his final two seasons. He had 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season for the Gators and finished his college career with 159 receptions for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Niners hoped Pearsall could contribute as a rookie as a backup to starters Brandon Aiyuk and Samuel.
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