A 17-year-old high school senior is facing charges in connection with the daytime shooting of San Francisco 49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall. The incident occurred on August 31 at Union Square, where the teenager allegedly attempted to rob Pearsall at gunpoint.
According to the attorney representing the teenager, new video evidence suggests that the incident was an attempted robbery rather than attempted murder. The footage reportedly shows a struggle between Pearsall and the teen, with Pearsall gaining the upper hand.
San Francisco police stated that the suspect targeted Pearsall after noticing his Rolex watch and other expensive jewelry. A confrontation ensued, resulting in gunfire that injured both Pearsall and the teenager, who was shot in the arm.
The teenager, who resides in Tracy, was apprehended near the scene of the incident. The San Francisco District Attorney has charged him with attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic weapon, attempted second-degree robbery, and additional gun-related charges.
The District Attorney is considering whether to try the juvenile as an adult, pending further investigation. California law mandates judicial approval for charging a minor as an adult.
Pearsall, who was shot in the chest at close range, was discharged from the hospital the following day. Despite the ordeal, he returned to the 49ers' facility shortly after and attended the team's season opener at Levi's Stadium.
The incident has drawn attention to San Francisco's ongoing challenges with crime, including shoplifting and assaults. The city's mayor, London Breed, is facing a reelection campaign amid concerns about public safety.
