San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in an apparent robbery attempt of his Rolex watch in downtown San Francisco on Saturday. Pearsall was reportedly on his way to a signing event when a gunman tried to steal his watch. There was a struggle for the gun, and both Pearsall and the suspect were shot.
There have been conflicting reports about where Pearsall was shot. Initial reports said he was shot in the chest. Later reports said he was shot through the arm, but a video posted to social media by KTVU reporter Zak Sos, shows Pearsall getting into an ambulance, and the injury appears to be on the right side of his chest.
Video of 49ers draft pick Ricky Pearsall walking to ambulance after police say he was shot near Union Square. Video from witness. @KTVU pic.twitter.com/luhulILUQ7
— Zak Sos (@ZakSNews) September 1, 2024
The 49ers released the following statement this evening, confirming that Pearsall was shot in the chest and saying he is 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."
RELATED Ricky Pearsall shot in robbery attempt, in stable condition at hospital
San Francisco Mayor, London Breed, also released a statement, saying, "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 provide more updates, including on his condition, as I receive them." The Mayor is currently at the hospital awaiting additional information.
In addition, the San Francisco Police Department released the following statement:
"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."
SFPD Chief William Scott also issued a statement on X, saying, "I am extremely shocked and saddened about the shooting of 49ers player Ricky Pearsall today in Union Square. This kind of violence has no place in our city and will never be tolerated. My heart goes out to Mr. Pearsall and his family and I wish him a speedy recovery."
49ers reporter, Matt Maiocco, offered some positive news on social media. Maiocco wrote, "I've spoken to quite a few people over the past couple of hours. At this point, nobody wants to be quoted, but everyone has spoken about Ricky Pearsall in a very optimistic way."
I've spoken to quite a few people over the past couple of hours. At this point, nobody wants to be quoted, but everyone has spoken about Ricky Pearsall in a very optimistic way. 
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 1, 2024
Pearsall has yet to play in a game for the 49ers. He has been out most of training camp with a shoulder subluxation injury, which is a partial dislocation that occurs when the ball of the shoulder briefly pops out of place. Pearsall recently returned to practice but was still wearing the blue, non-contact jersey.
We will keep you updated as more information is released.
- Marc Adams
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Written by:Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
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