49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall released from hospital after attempted robbery shooting

Sept. 1 (UPI) -- San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was released from the hospital Sunday afternoon, one day after he was shot in the chest in an attempted robbery in the city's Union Square.

Pearsall was taken to San Francisco General Hospital in serious but stable condition, police said.

Pearsall, 23, "continues to recover from a bullet wound to his chest," the NFL team said.

"He and his family, along with the entire San Francisco 49ers organization, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, emergency medical services, doctors and staff at San Francisco General Hospital."

His mother Erin Pearsall posted an update Sunday on Facebook about "my baby boy." She said the bullet exited out his back and she is thankful it "missed his vital organs. He is in good spirits now. ... My son was spared by the grace of God."

Pearsall walked to the ambulance and was as able to talk to police about the incident.

The 17-year-old suspect, a resident of Tracy, Calif., also was taken to San Francisco General Hospital with a gunshot wound, police said.

The suspect will be charged in juvenile court, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said Saturday.

San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said at a news conference it appears the suspect was acting alone, and there is no indication Pearsall was targeted because he is a football player.

John Lynch, the 49ers' general manager, visited Pearsall at the hospital.

The 49ers drafted Pearsall, 6-foot-1 and 189 pounds, with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft in April.

At the University of Florida last season, he caught 65 passes for 965 yards and four touchdowns as a senior. In 2022, he transferred to Florida from Arizona State, where he played from 2019-21.

Union Square includes retail, restaurants and theaters.

"It's a large open area where tourists and locals gather, watch cable cars and crowds go by, enjoy a snack, or plan their day of shopping and sightseeing," according to Tripadvisor. "If feeling the pulsating energy of the city is on your agenda, Union Square is the place to soak it in."

Pearsall returned to practice Monday after missing three weeks with a subluxation of his left shoulder.

The 49ers play their first game of the season against the New York Jets on Sept. 9.