A teenager detained in connection with the shooting and attempted robbery of San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall on Saturday has been charged with attempted murder and other offenses, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins stated Tuesday evening.
The 17-year-old Tracy resident faces attempted murder charges, as well as claims of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and attempted second-degree robbery.
The charges will be filed in juvenile court, according to Jenkins, but officers are still investigating the case, including aspects of the teen’s background that could influence the disposition of the charge and result in the teen’s case being transferred to adult court.
“What I indicated in 2022 is that there are five crime types for 16 and 17-year-olds, for which we would consider potentially seeking to transfer them to adult court,” Jenkins told reporters. Attempted murder is one of the charges. So, once again, it was for consideration.
The shooting of a 49ers rookie in the middle of the afternoon in San Francisco’s biggest shopping district made global headlines Saturday.
San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said the 23-year-old Pearsall was strolling about a block from Union Square around 3:30 p.m. local time when the armed suspect approached and attempted to rob him, resulting in a physical altercation.
“The struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued, and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject,” Mr. Scott said.
According to police, the suspect was apprehended while attempting to flee the scene. His name has not been revealed due to his juvenile status.
Cellphone footage obtained by CBS News Bay Area revealed that following the incident, first responders carefully guided Pearsall to an ambulance. The 49ers claimed he was shot in the chest. Pearsall’s mother stated on social media that a single bullet entered through the right side of his chest and exited through his back, missing important organs.
Earlier Tuesday, 49ers general manager John Lynch said he was hopeful the team’s first-round pick would contribute this season at some point, but he will need time to heal, despite performing “remarkably well.”
“In the end, we concluded that Ricky needed some time. He’ll need that time physically. Lynch stated, “He’ll need that time emotionally and mentally, and we made that decision.” “When we drafted Ricky, we did it for the long term, and Ricky’s going to be a fantastic player here.”
Lynch told reporters that Pearsall was back with the team less than 72 hours after the incident “by the grace of God”.
“Was able to be down at the hospital and if I heard from one person I heard from so many down there, it was nothing short of miraculous he came out of this as good as he did,” says Lynch. “On behalf of Ricky and his family, I spoke with Ricky this morning, and he and the team want to extend our gratitude to a variety of people, the first of which is the San Francisco Police Department. They were outstanding in their responsiveness, as well as at the hospital.”
Jenkins stated that the youngster was scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Youth Guidance Center in San Francisco.
“At this time, because we are dealing with the minor, there is very little that I can share beyond what I have just said concerning the charges and how things will move forward,” according to the district attorney.