San Francisco 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall is lucky to be alive after a frightening incident led to him being shot.
One police officer was critical in the moments after Ricky Pearsall was shot.
Pearsall, a rookie wide receiver whom the 49ers drafted in the first round this year, was shot in the chest by a 17-year-old during an attempted robbery in San Francisco, and Sgt. Joelle Harrell from the San Francisco Police Department would be instrumental in his survival.
Sgt. Joelle Harrel, who was nearby during the incident, sprinted to the scene after she heard gunshots, she told the San Francisco Chronicle.
The 31-year-veteran police officer got to the scene and found Ricky Pearsall shirtless and covered in blood.
Going to her training she quickly instructed another officer to call an ambulance while she tended to the 49ers rookie wide receiver.
Joelle Harrel then began pressing Ricky Pearsall’s shirt into his wound and pressed her cap into his back, where the bullet had exited.
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“I was using my hand for the front just to create a suction so the air wouldn’t enter the wound,” she said.
Ricky Pearsall reportedly asked the officer if he was going to die, so she comforted him by praying with him while the ambulance arrived.
“A stunning account of our officer’s decisive action that may have helped save Ricky Pearsall’s life. Thank you, Sgt. Joelle Harrell for taking swift action in the face of danger,” San Francisco Police wrote.
49ers’ Ricky Pearsall Released From Hospital After Being Shot
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is recovering nicely as he was released from the hospital on Sunday, not even a full day after he was wounded in a shooting during an attempted robbery.
The team added: “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.”
Erin Pearsall, his mother, wrote on Facebook that the bullet entered his chest and exited his back without hitting any vital organs.
“Update on my baby boy,” she started. “First and (foremost) I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy. He is extremely lucky, GOD shielded him. He was shot in the chest, and it exited out his back. Thanks be to GOD, it missed his vital organs.
“He is in good spirits right now,” she added. “Life is so precious, my friends. Please love (each other). My son was spared today by the grace of GOD. Please pray for my baby.”
