San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Pearsall shot in attempted robbery at Union Square, authorities confirm

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Sunday, September 1, 2024
SF 49ers' Ricky Pearsall shot in attempted robbery: authorities
49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in an attempted robbery incident at Union Square on Saturday, authorities confirmed.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in an attempted robbery incident at Union Square on Saturday, authorities confirmed.

This happened right in the heart of Union Square at Grant Avenue and Geary Street, and we're told Pearsall fought back against the suspect, leading to both getting shot.

The incident drew sharp reaction from city leaders.

It was a high-profile shooting in San Francisco's Union Square Saturday.

Police called to Grant Avenue and Geary Street just after 3:30 p.m, where there were reports of a double shooting.

Police located two subjects, one of them being Pearsall - who could be seen in a video walking into the ambulance.

Both were taken to San Francisco General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

In a statement made by the 49ers, the team said that Pearsall was shot in the chest and was in "serious but stable condition."

"He was walking alone when a suspect approached him and attempted to commit an armed robbery using a gun," said San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott. "A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect's gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject."

The police chief said there is no indication this was a targeted incident and that the only gun involved was the suspect's - who was arrested near the crime scene.

"The suspect has been identified as a 17-year-old male who resides in Tracy, California. We're thankful Mr. Pearsall is in stable condition," Scott said.

The police chief was seen arriving at the hospital, followed later by Mayor London Breed and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, for an all hands on deck response.

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"What matters is supporting the victim and holding those accountable who break our laws and endanger the lives of others," Breed said.

The mayor called the incident in Union Square rare and applauded the police department's quick response.

"Their work ensures that people know if they come to San Francisco to commit crimes, they will be arrested," Breed said.

Jenkins said charges can be expected next week.

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"We are not a city that will be tolerant of this type of conduct," she said.

The DA doubled down on her commitment to work with the mayor to make the city as safe as possible.

"This is a setback, but we will continue to push forward to make sure we minimize these types of events in our city," Jenkins said.

The police chief reiterated that, while there is a suspect in custody, there is still more investigative work to be done.

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