49ers’ Ricky Pearsall Survives Chest Shot in Robbery Attempt, Credits Police Officer for Life-Saving Actions

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest on August 31 during an attempted armed robbery in San Francisco‘s Union Square. The incident occurred when a 17-year-old male from Tracy attempted to rob Pearsall of his Rolex watch and jewelry, leading to a prolonged struggle and the shooting of both Pearsall and the suspect.

Pearsall’s life was saved largely due to the quick and decisive actions of San Francisco Police Department Sgt. Joelle Harrell, who was the first responder on the scene. Harrell, stationed one block away on Geary Street, heard the gunshots and immediately ran to the scene. Upon seeing Pearsall’s wound, she applied her strong hand over the hole to create suction and used her other hand to apply direct pressure to his head.

During the ordeal, Pearsall asked Harrell if he was going to die, to which she reassured him, “Look at me. I know you don’t know me, but I need you to trust me, it’s not your time.”.

Pearsall was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for the gunshot wound, which entered the right side of his chest and exited through his back, narrowly missing vital organs. Despite the severity of the injury, Pearsall made a full recovery and returned to the team facility just a few days after the incident.

Pearsall made his NFL debut on October 20 in the 49ers’ 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, catching three passes for 21 yards. His recovery and return to the field have been hailed as miraculous, and he has expressed gratitude to Sgt. Harrell for her life-saving actions.