49ers Rookie Ricky Pearsall Wounded in San Francisco Robbery Attempt

In a shocking turn of events, Ricky Pearsall, a promising rookie drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, was injured during an attempted robbery in San Francisco. The incident took place on Saturday afternoon in the city's Union Square, where Pearsall was approached by a 17-year-old suspect attempting to steal his luxury Rolex watch.

According to San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott, the incident occurred around 3:37 p.m. on Geary Street near Grant Street. The assailant, armed with a gun, tried to rob Pearsall, leading to a struggle that ended with the weapon being fired multiple times. Pearsall was struck in the chest but managed to resist his attacker before both were taken to San Francisco General Hospital.

Pearsall, just 23 years old, is currently in serious but stable condition. The suspect, who was also injured, was arrested at the scene as he attempted to flee. The police recovered the firearm involved in the incident and emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting Pearsall was targeted due to his status as an NFL player.

A video captured by KTVU shows Pearsall shirtless and holding his wound as he was being loaded into an ambulance. Despite the gravity of the situation, he remained composed as first responders assisted him.

San Francisco's mayor, London Breen, condemned the violence, stating, "Robberies and any violence like this will not be tolerated in our city." She expressed her support for Pearsall and his family during this difficult time.

The incident has sparked outrage across the city, with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins confirming that charges against the juvenile suspect are forthcoming. The case will likely proceed in juvenile court, given the suspect's age.

In the aftermath, Pearsall’s teammate Deebo Samuel reassured fans on social media, tweeting, "He’s good. Thank god!!!!"

Pearsall, who played college football at Arizona State University and the University of Florida, was selected 31st overall by the 49ers in this year’s draft. His promising career was already off to a challenging start due to a shoulder injury that had sidelined him for much of the preseason. Tragically, just as he was recovering and beginning to practice with his team, this violent incident occurred.

This unfortunate event underscores the ongoing safety concerns in San Francisco, where even prominent athletes can fall victim to crime. The city continues to grapple with these issues, striving to ensure the safety of all its residents and visitors.