San Francisco 49ers first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall was shot and wounded by a thief who tried to steal his Rolex watch in the middle of the troubled California city Saturday, according to police and reports.
The 23-year-old rookie wide receiver got into a scuffle with the robber in San Francisco’s Union Square around 3:37 p.m. while on his way to a signing event on Geary and Market Street, according to the San Francisco police department.
During the robbery, reportedly for the NFLer’s luxury watch, there was a struggle over a gun and Pearsall was shot in the chest.
The suspect was also injured and both were taken to San Francisco General Hospital, cops said.
Pearsall is in “serious but stable condition” the 49ers organization said in a statement.
“My thoughts are with Ricky and his family at this time,” San Francisco mayor London Breen said in a statement.
“We will provide more updates, including on his condition, as I receive them.”
The shooter was taken into custody, officials confirmed. Police said charges are still pending.
Video from the scene obtained by KTVU shows Pearsall shirtless walking to the ambulance with first responders.
He appears to be holding his shirt over a wound on torso as he’s placed on a stretcher. An EMT removes the covering, revealing a large blood stain on his bare skin as he’s loaded into the vehicle, the clip shows.
A Union Square security guard told The San Francisco Chronicle she saw a man, possibly the robber, running into the Diptyque store carrying bags. Several shots rang out, sending people screaming and running for their lives, she said.
Hours later, about a dozen cops remained at the taped-off scene and were spotted dusting two Teslas for fingerprints, according to the paper.
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said “This kind of violence has no place in our city and will never be tolerated.”
He wished Pearsall a “speedy recovery” and vowed his department will do “everything within our power to ensure justice is served.”
Pearsall’s teammate and fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel tweeted, “He’s good. Thank god!!!!”
The Arizona State University and University of Florida wide-out was selected 31st overall by the Niners in this year’s draft after an impressive 65-catch, 965-yard 2023 season with the Gators.
He has missed all of the 49ers preseason games due to a shoulder injury Pearsall participated in just six of 19 training camp practices before he was sidelined, NBC Bay Area reported.
Pearsall had just recovered enough to begin practicing with his new team when he was shot.
