San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall narrowly escaped death during an attempted armed robbery on Saturday evening. The 23-year-old first round draft pick was shot through the chest.
Video from the terrifying incident shows just how close he came to a very different outcome.
Pearsall signed autographs at a nearby event center earlier in the afternoon and walked toward Union Square after fulfilling his obligation. According to the San Francisco Fire Department, a 911 call at 3:38 p.m. PT reported shots fired at the corner of Geary and Grant streets.
A 17-year-old male attempted to rob Pearsall of his Rolex watch at gun point, which resulted in a physical alteration. Their struggle for the gun resulted in gunfire. Both the suspect (who was arrested) and the victim were shot.
Status of the assailant has not been released. However, Pearsall is in “serious but stable condition.”
He sustained a bullet wound to his chest […] We ask that you respect his privacy at this time.
— San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco police chief William Scott described the scene as best he could without getting a full account from the wide receiver.
He was walking alone when a suspect approached him and attempted to commit an armed robbery using a gun. A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject.
— William Scott
Scott added that Pearsall was alert enough to speak to police about the shooting. A scary video of the immediate aftermath confirms that he was conscious and able to walk under his own power. Emergency Medical Technicians held a compress on the right side of his chest, which was covered in blood.
Erin Pearsall, Ricky’s mother, provided an update on her son’s near-death wound. Had the bullet struck him just inches to the left, it would be a very different outcome.
Update on my baby boy. First and far most I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy. He is extremely luck, GOD shielded him. He was shot in the chest and it excited out his back. Thanks be to GOD it missed his vital organs. He is in good spirits right now. Life is so precious my friends. Please love eachother. My son spared today spared today by the grace of GOD. 🙏 Please pray for my baby 🙏❤️
— Ricky Pearsall
Officials do not have reason to think the suspect targeted Pearsall because of his celebrity status as a professional athlete. It is believed that he acted alone. An investigation is ongoing. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said a charging decision on the suspect will be made after the Labor Day weekend.