SAN FRANCISCO — A 17-year-old has been charged with attempted murder following the shooting of NFL rookie Ricky Pearsall over the weekend, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced on Tuesday. The teenager, who resides in Tracy, California, faces charges including robbery, assault with a semi-automatic pistol, and attempted murder. Since he is a minor, his name has not been disclosed. His arraignment is set for Wednesday at the Juvenile Justice Center in San Francisco.
According to authorities, the teenager attempted to rob Pearsall and, when the robbery failed, shot him in the chest. The incident occurred in broad daylight while Pearsall was in San Francisco for shopping and an autograph signing event. A physical altercation ensued between Pearsall and the suspect, resulting in injuries to both individuals.
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Pearsall was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital, where he made a remarkable recovery, despite the bullet passing through his chest and back, missing vital organs. He was released 24 hours later.
The San Francisco 49ers placed Pearsall on the reserve/non-football injury list, meaning he will miss the first four games of the 2024 NFL season.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have stated there is no indication Pearsall was targeted due to his NFL career. The teen suspect is being tried as a juvenile, and if convicted, could be released by the time he turns 25.