A teenager has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and robbery in connection with the shooting of former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, CBS News reports.
The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, is facing charges that include attempted murder with allegations of personal discharge of a firearm, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and attempted second-degree robbery.
The charges will be filed in juvenile court, although the case could be transferred to adult court depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the suspect’s background. District Attorney Jenkins noted that attempted murder is one of five crime types for 16 and 17-year-olds that could warrant a transfer to adult court.
The shooting, which occurred on Saturday afternoon in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, became national news. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said Pearsall was walking about a block from Union Square when the suspect approached him and attempted to rob him, leading to a physical altercation.
During the struggle, the suspect fired shots, striking both Pearsall and himself. The suspect was apprehended trying to flee the scene.
Cellphone footage captured by CBS News Bay Area showed first responders carefully escorting Pearsall to an ambulance after the shooting. The 49ers confirmed that Pearsall was shot in the chest. His mother later disclosed on social media that a single bullet entered through the right side of his chest and exited through his back, miraculously missing vital organs.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, Pearsall is recovering well. 49ers General Manager John Lynch expressed confidence in Pearsall’s eventual return to the field, emphasizing that while he will need time to recover physically and mentally, the team believes in his long-term potential.
Lynch also commended the San Francisco Police Department for their quick response and support.
The teen suspect is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Youth Guidance Center in San Francisco.
