49ers’ Ricky Pearsall shot in robbery attempt; suspect arrested

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — 49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot Saturday afternoon in downtown San Francisco.

San Francisco mayor London Breed announced on X that Pearsall was shot in the Union Square area of the city during a robbery attempt. Breed added that the San Francisco Police Department was on the scene immediately and that the suspect was arrested.

ABC 7 San Francisco reported that Pearsall is in stable condition. Fellow 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel posted that “he’s good” in reference to Pearsall, and a team source confirmed to ESPN that Pearsall is expected to be OK.

The shooting occurred at the corner of Geary and Grant streets, a block away from San Francisco’s Union Square, with police arriving following a 9-1-1 call at 3:38 p.m. local time. Pearsall was signing autographs at an event center earlier in the afternoon and had headed to Union Square after, according to ABC 7. 

According to the San Francisco Police Department, a physical altercation between Pearsall and the suspect ensued during the attempted robbery and both were injured.  Both Pearsall and the suspect were later transported to San Francisco General Hospital.

“Thankfully, our hard-working officers made a swift arrest in this case and we will do everything within our power to ensure justice is served,” police Chief William Scott said in a statement.

The Niners selected Pearsall with the No. 31 pick in April’s NFL draft out of the University of Florida.