Authorities have confirmed that 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery in Union Square on Saturday.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Geary Street in the heart of Union Square, where Pearsall reportedly fought back against the suspect, resulting in both being shot.
The shooting prompted strong reactions from city officials.
It was a highly publicized shooting that took place in San Francisco’s Union Square on Saturday.
Police responded to reports of a double shooting at Grant Avenue and Geary Street shortly after 3:30 p.m.
Officers found two individuals at the scene, including Pearsall, who was captured on video walking into an ambulance.
Both victims were transported to San Francisco General Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
In a statement, the 49ers reported that Pearsall had been 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 stated that there is no evidence suggesting this was a targeted attack and confirmed that the only firearm involved belonged to the suspect, who was arrested near the 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 spotted arriving at the hospital, followed by Mayor London Breed and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, signaling an all-hands-on-deck response.
“What matters is supporting the victim and holding those accountable who break our laws and endanger the lives of others,” Breed said.
Mayor Breed described the Union Square shooting as a rare event and commended the police department for their swift action.
“Their work ensures that people know if they come to San Francisco to commit crimes, they will be arrested,” Breed said.
District Attorney Jenkins indicated that charges are expected to be filed next week.
“We are not a city that will be tolerant of this type of conduct,” she said.
Jenkins also reaffirmed her commitment to collaborate with the mayor to enhance safety throughout the city.
“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 emphasized that while a suspect is in custody, additional investigative work remains to be done.