A 17-year-old boy from Tracy has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the shooting of San Francisco 49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall. On Tuesday, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced the charges, which also include attempted second-degree robbery and assault with a semi-automatic firearm. The teenager, whose name has not been released due to his age, will not be charged as an adult at this time.
The incident occurred last Saturday afternoon in San Francisco’s Union Square, where Pearsall was reportedly shopping when a struggle ensued during a robbery attempt. Both Pearsall and the suspect were shot as they fought for control of the weapon. The 23-year-old NFL player suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was rushed to the hospital. He has since been released and is recovering at home.
Pearsall, who recently joined the 49ers, will miss at least four weeks of his rookie season as he continues his recovery. The young receiver was released from the hospital on Sunday, and while his injuries are serious, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Sergeant Joelle Harrell, who was nearby when the shooting occurred, quickly responded to the scene. She later recounted how Pearsall asked her if he was going to die, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Her swift actions helped stabilize Pearsall before paramedics arrived.
District Attorney Jenkins has stated that while the 17-year-old is currently being charged as a juvenile, a decision on whether to try him as an adult remains on the table. Jenkins emphasized that her office is reviewing all evidence and will request a fitness hearing, where a judge will ultimately decide if the case should be transferred to adult court. “This is a complex case, and we must consider all factors, including the age of the suspect and the nature of the crime,” Jenkins said.
The shooting has shocked the San Francisco sports community, with fans and teammates expressing support for Pearsall as he recovers. As the legal process unfolds, both Pearsall and the 49ers organization are focused on his health and return to the field.
The charges against the teenager come at a critical time as San Francisco continues to grapple with issues of crime and public safety. Union Square, a popular shopping district, has seen an uptick in violent crime in recent years, prompting calls for increased security.
The case is expected to draw significant attention as it proceeds through the legal system, with many awaiting the judge’s decision on whether the teen will face adult charges.
