A 17-year-old suspect has been arrested for shooting San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the chest on Saturday.
According to the San Francisco Fire Department, the incident occurred after 3:00 p.m. during an attempted robbery at the corner of Geary Street and Grant Avenue. Pearsall, 23, had attended an fan signing event earlier and was making his way to Union Square when he was roped into a physical altercation with the suspect.
San Francisco Police Chief William Scott stated that,
“A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject.”
He also revealed that more than one shot was fired during the struggle. After the police responded to a 911 call, the two were taken to San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center for immediate treatment. The San Francisco 49ers later released a statement to inform the public that Ricky Pearsall is still in “serious but stable condition.”
“San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was the victim of an attempted robbery and shooting this afternoon. He sustained a bullet wound to his chest and is in serious but stable condition. We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”
His teammate Deebo Samuel also seemed relieved with the update and posted on X to share the news.
As the investigation continues, the San Francisco Police Chief has mentioned that there is no reason to believe that the male suspect had attacked the wide receiver specifically for his profession. Scott also added that there doesn’t seem to be multiple players involved in the robbery “as far as we know.”
The suspect, who is a juvenile and a resident of Tracy, California, is set to be charged in court either on Tuesday or Wednesday. His condition has still not been disclosed as of the time of writing.