49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall shot over attempted Rolex robbery

Ricky Pearsall, a first-round draft pick by San Francisco, is in a serious but stable condition after being shot reportedly over a luxury watch.

San Francisco 49ers first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall was shot and wounded by a teenage thief who tried to steal his Rolex watch in the middle of the troubled California city on Saturday.

The New York Post reported the 23-year-old rookie was walking alone in San Francisco’s Union Square when a 17-year-old armed with a gun tried to rob him on Geary Street near Grant Street, San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott told a press conference.

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During the robbery, reportedly for Pearsall’s luxury watch, there was a struggle over the weapon which fired multiple times leaving Pearsall shot in the chest, police said.

The teen, who is from Tracy, California, also suffered a gunshot wound and both were taken to San Francisco General Hospital, Scott said.

“(Pearsall) sustained a bullet wound to his chest and is in serious but stable condition,” the 49ers said in a statement.

“We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family.”

The teen is also in stable condition, according to police.

Pearsall after being drafted by the Niners. Photo: Instagram

The suspect was almost immediately arrested by responding officers as he tried to flee the scene on foot, Scott said. A gun was recovered, police said.

There is “no indication (Pearsall) was targeted because he is a football player,” Scott told reporters.

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 his 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.

“Robberies and any violence like this will not be tolerated in our city,” San Francisco mayor London Breen said.

“When incidents like this occur, what matters is supporting the victim and holding those accountable who break our laws and endanger the lives of others,” she said, offering her thoughts and prayers to Pearsall and his family.

Charges are still pending for the juvenile. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said she expects a charging decision to be made early next week in juvenile court due to the suspect’s age.

“We are not a city that will be tolerant of this type of conduct,” Jenkins said.

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 Tesla vehicles for fingerprints, according to the paper.

Pearsall in his college days with Florida. Photo: Getty Images

Pearsall missed most of the pre-season with the Niners. Photo: Instagram

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 pre-season 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 practising with his new team when he was shot.

The Niners, who lost last season’s Super Bowl to Kansas City, open their new campaign against the New York Jets at their Levi Stadium home on September 10 (AEST).

This article originally appeared in the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall shot over attempted Rolex robbery