The San Francisco 49ers and their fans were shocked on Saturday by the news that first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery. Pearsall was immediately transported to San Francisco General Hospital following the incident. According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, 49ers general manager John Lynch went to the hospital to be with Pearsall.
49ers general manager John Lynch is at San Francisco General Hospital for Ricky Pearsall, who is listed in stable condition after sustaining a bullet wound to his chest.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 1, 2024
The 49ers released a statement shortly after the incident: "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
A video showed Pearsall walking before getting into the ambulance that transported him to the hospital.
.@mariannefavro and @maioccoNBCS share the latest Ricky Pearsall update while on scene at San Francisco General Hospital pic.twitter.com/U73vrOx7Wu
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 1, 2024
Reports state that the suspect, a 17-year-old male from Tracy, California, was apprehended after also being shot during the altercation. He is currently being treated at the same hospital.
While there are suggestions that the suspect may have been attempting to steal Pearsall's watch, Police Chief Bill Scott stated, "We have a good idea (of what he was after, but) we're not ready to release that (information) at this time."
RELATED Video shows Pearsall following shooting; 49ers issue statement
The incident occurred in Union Square, a commercial area in San Francisco. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, witnesses reported hearing about five gunshots.
Just hours before the shooting, Pearsall had been signing autographs at an event at the Cow Palace in Daly City.
Fellow 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel posted on X (formerly Twitter), "He's good ... Thank god!!!!" in reference to Pearsall, while long snapper Taybor Pepper shared on the platform, "Glad to hear Ricky is stable on the social media platform.
He's good🤞🏾🙏🏾. Thank god!!!!
— Deebo (@19problemz) September 1, 2024
Glad to hear Ricky is stable. 🙏🏼14
— Taybor Pepper (@TayborSnapping) September 1, 2024