49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was critically injured during an attempted robbery that escalated to violence on Saturday. Pearsall, who was drafted in the first round by the 49ers this year, was shot in the chest by a 17-year-old suspect while walking back to his vehicle after shopping in the city’s upscale Union Square area.
Sgt. Joelle Harrell of the San Francisco Police Department, who was in proximity when the shooting occurred, responded immediately upon hearing the gunshots.
In a recount to the San Francisco Chronicle, Harrell described her swift actions to provide critical first aid to the injured NFL player. Upon arriving at the scene, she found Pearsall shirtless and bleeding profusely. She quickly used Pearsall’s shirt to press against the wound on his chest and her cap to cover the exit wound on his back.
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“I was using my hand for the front just to create a suction so the air wouldn’t enter the wound,” Harrell detailed her quick thinking during those crucial moments.
As they awaited the arrival of medical assistance, Harrell engaged Pearsall in conversation to keep him conscious and reassured him of his survival. Facing the uncertainty of his condition, Pearsall inquired if he was going to die, to which Harrell responded by initiating prayer with him and encouraging him to remain strong, reminiscent of his resilience on the football field.
The ordeal began when the assailant noticed Pearsall wearing an expensive watch as he left Rimowa and Louis Vuitton stores.
Prior to the incident, Pearsall had been engaging with fans, signing autographs. The situation took a perilous turn when the young assailant decided to target Pearsall, ultimately shooting him in such a manner that the bullet exited through his back, miraculously missing vital organs, as noted by Pearsall’s mother, Erin.
Ricky Pearsall’s mom, Erin, posted on Facebook that the bullet entered Pearsall’s chest and exited his back without hitting any vital organs pic.twitter.com/YXKUY4m8I3
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 1, 2024
Thanks to the prompt medical intervention and Harrell’s immediate response, Pearsall’s life was spared.
He was stabilized and released from the hospital on Sunday. Reflecting on the traumatic experience and the collective effort to save their player, the San Francisco 49ers issued a statement expressing their profound gratitude toward the first responders, San Francisco Police Department, and the medical team at San Francisco General Hospital for their exemplary service.
“He and his family, along with the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, emergency medical services, doctors and staff at San Francisco General Hospital,” the 49ers stated, underscoring the critical roles played in ensuring Pearsall’s swift recovery.
Original article below:
San Francisco 49ers wide rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall was hospitalized in stable condition after being shot in the chest during an attempted robbery on Saturday afternoon in central San Francisco, according to police officials.
A juvenile suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
The confrontation occurred just after 3:30 p.m. on Geary Boulevard in the Union Square area when Pearsall, aged 23, was approached by the armed assailant. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott detailed the sequence of events at a news briefing, explaining that a struggle ensued during the attempted robbery, leading to gunfire. “A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued, and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject,” Scott said.
Officers nearby responded quickly, providing emergency medical aid to Pearsall and arresting the 17-year-old suspect, a resident of Tracy, California.
49ers first-round pick Ricky Pearsall walking to the ambulance after being shot today during an attempted robbery in San Francisco.
📹 @ZakSNews of @KTVU pic.twitter.com/BlwnENgBLK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2024
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The teenager was also injured in the altercation and was transported to San Francisco General Hospital, the same facility where Pearsall was receiving care.
Details on the suspect’s condition have not been released.
Police recovered a firearm at the scene and believe the suspect acted alone.
“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,” Scott affirmed. Jenkins, present at the briefing, indicated that her office would make a charging decision by the following Tuesday or Wednesday, with proceedings initially set to occur in the juvenile court system.
The incident appears not to have been targeted specifically at Pearsall due to his status as a professional athlete. “There was no indication Mr. Pearsall was targeted because he is a player for the city’s football team,” Scott noted. The 49ers, in a statement, confirmed Pearsall’s serious but stable condition and requested privacy for him and his family during this time. Teammate Deebo Samuel expressed his relief on social media, stating, “He’s good. Thank god!!!!”
He’s good🤞🏾🙏🏾. Thank god!!!!
— Deebo (@19problemz) September 1, 2024
San Francisco Mayor London Breed also spoke at the briefing, emphasizing the city’s commitment to public safety and proper legal follow-through. “This is how we hold people accountable in San Francisco. Robberies and any violence like this will not be tolerated in our city,” Breed declared, expressing her confidence in the district attorney’s handling of the case and her gratitude towards the first responders and hospital staff.
This afternoon, there was an attempted robbery in Union Square involving San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and he was shot.
SFPD was on scene immediately and an arrest of the shooter was made.
My thoughts are with Ricky and his family at this time.
We will…
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) September 1, 2024
The mayor also reflected on the broader implications of such violent acts in a typically peaceful area. “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,” she said.
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Pearsall, who was drafted 31st overall by the 49ers in April, has faced challenges with injuries since joining the team, dealing with hamstring and shoulder issues during training camp.
Despite these setbacks, he returned to practice recently, and the team has high hopes for his contribution this season.
The full investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.
The community and Pearsall’s fans are hopeful for his swift recovery and return to the field.
49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is in serious but stable condition.
A statement from the team: pic.twitter.com/RceFbCcFBa
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2024
You can read the full statement from the San Francisco Police Department below:
“On August 31, 2024, at approximately 3:37 p.m., San Francisco Police officers responded to the area of Geary Street and Grant Avenue on a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located two male subjects suffering from injuries. Officers rendered aid and medics transported both subjects to a local hospital for further medical evaluation.
During the preliminary investigation, officers learned one of the subjects attempted to rob the victim, San Francisco 49ers player Ricky Pearsall. During the attempted robbery, a physical altercation ensued, and both the suspect and victim were injured. The suspect is in custody and charges are pending at this time. All information is preliminary, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Media availability will be held this evening at San Francisco General Hospital.
This investigation is ongoing and active. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the SFPD Tip line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.”
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Good thing he was a Niner, otherwise, being a white guy, it wouldn’t have even been reported (and the perp would be released—still may be)
What do you expect in that liberal, dumbocrat-run, crime-ridden shit hole of SF. They probably won’t do shit to the the little thug!
“The incident appears not to have been targeted specifically at Pearsall due to his status as a professional athlete.” Hmm… Why do you think Pearsall WAS targeted? And why aren’t there any actual descriptions of the perp in the story? Geez, doesn’t responsible journalism exist anywhere anymore?
Sad for Mr Pearsall. Criminals so emboldened to brandish firearms, mug people in the middle of the day and pull the trigger.. Notice the District Attorney prosecuting the perpetrator in Juvenile Court ?
San Francisco govt policy played a direct part in this violent crime. Their desire to de-criminalize certain vile activity, and not even prosecute other crimes leads to more and more crime. They have failed the citizens of San Francisco.
Next you will hear them say that Mr Pearsall should have been a “better victim” and not fought back. You will know whose side they are on and it’s not the hardworking taxpayers..
…ya can take a thug outta the hood but ya can’t take the hood outta the thug!
…hence “National Felons League”!
You’re just not very intelligent. Sorry.
Can’t be rolling up on a street in SF flashing a Rollie and with no security. Someone likely to make a dash for you. Got to go with a strap, even better someone with a strap, or go very low key – not flashing at all. That place and many others are a zoo of animal people. The Rimowa bag can be bought in sweats or by a personal shopper.
“This violence is unacceptable”.
Coming from the state and Feces Stewn City that finds it VERY acceptable when that violence is perpetrated by a member of the Soviet Democrats’ Identity Politics groups.
Same state and city that gave us VP Skanky Ho, who advocated for Defund The Police, easy-peasy bail for murderers and other violent offenders, etc.
He better be charged as an adult.
What will it take for those idiots to stop electing Liberals?
Ooo Ooo female cop saves star football players life! BULLS HIT YOU LYING AZZHOLES!
The freaking dude walked to the ambulance that took him to the hospital. WTAF IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?
Female cop saves football players life who WALKED TO THE AMBULANCE!!!
ARE YOU CLOWNS SERIOUS????