San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, 23, was shot during an attempted robbery in the neighborhood of Union Square, San Francisco mayor London Breed announced Saturday. According to NBC Sports Bay Area, Pearsall was upgraded from "serious" to "fair" condition and the 49ers issued a statement that Pearsall was released from San Francisco General Hospital on Sunday.
The findings of a preliminary investigation indicate one man attempted to rob Pearsall. During this attempted robbery, a physical altercation ensued where both parties were injured. The suspect is in custody, and both men were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation, according to the San Francisco Police Department.
Pearsall's mother, Erin, has provided an update on his status.
"He was shot in the chest and it exited out his back," she posted on social media, via David Lombardi of TheAthletic.com. "Thanks be to GOD it missed his vital organs. He is in good spirits right now."
Police told Fox40 that Pearsall was shot as the suspect attempted to steal his Rolex watch. The 49ers wideout was en route to a signing event at the time. There was a struggle for the gun, and both Pearsall and the suspect were shot.
Police have since identified a 17-year-old boy as the suspect in the shooting of Pearsall.
San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said that the suspect attempted to rob Pearsall at gunpoint, a struggle ensued, multiple shots were fired, and both Pearsall and the suspect were shot by the suspect's gun.
Police arrested the suspect as he was trying to run away. He has been identified as a 17-year-old male who resides in Tracy, California. His name has not been released and the district attorney's office said he will be charged in juvenile court.
Scott said police have recovered the gun and that as far as they know, the suspect was acting alone and did not target Pearsall specifically because he is a player on the 49ers.
The former Florida Gators pass catcher was selected with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft this offseason. He caught 65 passes for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season for the Gators.
Pearsall recently returned to 49ers practice after missing the past three weeks due to a subluxation of his left shoulder, according to NBC Sports Bay Area.
