Ricky Pearsall, a newcomer wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, was discharged from the hospital Sunday following a failed robbery attempt where he was shot in the chest in the Union Square neighbourhood of the city, as confirmed by the team. The 23-year-old’s status improved to fair from ‘serious but stable’ as per recent news updates, following the team’s statement made on Saturday evening.
The 49ers announced Sunday that Pearsall was let go from hospital in the afternoon as he progressively recovers from a chest gunshot. The statement also shared the gratitude of Pearsall, his relatives and the whole 49ers group for the San Francisco PD, emergency health services, medical staff and personnel at the San Francisco General Hospital.
A 17-year-old who police have named as the suspect in the robbery attempt, was apprehended on Saturday as he tried to escape the scene, informed San Francisco’s police chief, William Scott. The accused shooter was also admitted to the hospital post the gunfire; however, his health status was not disclosed immediately. Legal proceedings against him are underway.
Following the incident, Pearsall was rushed to the San Francisco General Hospital. Shared on social media, a video taken at Union Square presents Pearsall walking cautiously towards an ambulance bare-chested with police aiding him. He used his left hand to press his shirt against the gunshot wound on the right aspect of his torso, near the shoulder, where blood was visible.
As per the San Francisco Chronicle, the call for emergency assistance came through at around 3:29 pm local time, and upon the police’s arrival, two individuals had suffered gunshot wounds. The other victim turned out to be the alleged mugger, who was shot during a struggle over the firearm with Pearsall.
During a press briefing on Saturday, Scott reported that the confrontation between Pearsall and the suspect resulted in the suspect’s gun firing and injuring both parties.
The head of the Board of Supervisors in San Francisco, Aaron Peskin, revealed that he had been briefed by the police, informing him that Pearsall had retaliated. Before ending up at Union Square, Pearsall was apparently signing autographs at an event earlier on Saturday, as reported by ABC 7 San Francisco.
Pearsall, who will celebrate his 24th birthday on 9th September, has been identified as a wide receiver. Picked 31st by the 49ers in the draft that took place in April, Pearsall secured a four-year contract. It promises him an assured $12.5 million, inclusive of a signing bonus valued at $5.9 million, according to Reuters.