San Francisco 49ers player Ricky Pearsall is in “stable condition” after being shot in the chest during an attempted robbery Saturday.
“San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was the victim of an attempted robbery and shooting this afternoon,” the 49ers said in a statement on X Saturday night.
“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.”
Hours prior, Pearsall, 23, had been heading to sign autographs at an event center on Geary & Market when he was attacked by a suspect over a Rolex, per San Francisco police.
A fight ensued between Pearsall and the suspect over the gun and the NFL star was shot in the chest. The culprit was also shot but it’s unclear where.
Pearsall and the suspect were transported to San Francisco General Hospital.
The suspect, a 17-year-old male from Tracy, Calif., was arrested, according to San Francisco Police Chief William Scott.
Scott said there was “no indication” that the teen targeted Pearsall because of his career and said the suspect was acting alone “as far as we know” but authorities will check nearby surveillance cameras as the investigation continues.
Ricky’s mom, Erin Pearsall, also gave fans an update on her son’s condition on Facebook Saturday night, writing that he was “shot in the chest and it exited out his back.”
“Thanks be to GOD it missed his vital organs. He is in good spirits right now,” she wrote, adding that Ricky was “spared by the grace of GOD.”
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said a charging decision on the juvenile suspect will be made early next week.
Ricky was drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft in April.
He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils and Florida Gators.
