An Arizona man has reported the theft of a gun allegedly used in the shooting of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. The weapon was used by a 17-year-old in a robbery attempt in Union Square, resulting in a gunfight that left both Pearsall and the suspect injured.
Gun Reported Stolen Months Prior
According to Sgt. Ryan Cook of the Tempe Police Department, the owner legally purchased the semiautomatic pistol from a Phoenix gun shop in February but recently discovered it missing. He filed a theft report this week in Tempe, stating that he last saw the firearm “about three months ago.” Cook noted that the owner also reported another gun stolen, though details on both weapons remain limited.
The firearm used in the shooting was identified by a source familiar with the case as a .40-caliber Glock 23, a popular handgun among law enforcement agencies. Purchased from MMP Guns, a branch of Mo Money Pawn Shop in Phoenix, it remains unclear how the gun ended up in San Francisco, where it was used in the attempted robbery.
The Shooting Incident
On August 31, Pearsall was approached by the 17-year-old suspect while carrying shopping bags to his Tesla near high-end stores in Union Square. The suspect reportedly attempted to rob Pearsall, who resisted, leading to a physical altercation. During the struggle, the suspect fired the weapon, hitting Pearsall in the chest. Police stated that the suspect was also injured by a bullet from his own gun during the encounter.
Pearsall, an Arizona native and former Arizona State University player, survived the incident and is expected to return to the field later this season.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Strategy
The suspect has been charged with several offenses, including attempted murder, attempted second-degree robbery, and assault with a semiautomatic firearm. His attorney, arguing for reduced charges, claimed to have video evidence showing an “extended struggle” between the teenager and Pearsall, suggesting that the actions did not warrant an attempted murder charge. The lawyer contends that the teen should only face attempted robbery charges.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins has not yet decided whether to pursue adult charges against the teenager. A court hearing is scheduled for November to determine the next steps in the case.
Stolen Guns and Crime Rates
The use of stolen guns in crimes is a widespread issue in the United States. A UC Davis study revealed that firearms reported stolen are nine times more likely to be involved in criminal activity than those not reported stolen. From 2017 to 2021, over one million stolen guns were reported to law enforcement agencies by private citizens.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) reported in 2023 that more than half of the traceable guns recovered by California law enforcement in 2021 were linked to dealers in other states, with Arizona being a common point of origin. This troubling trend highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing the flow of stolen firearms across state lines.
Conclusion
As investigations continue into how the stolen gun made its way from Arizona to San Francisco, the case underscores the ongoing issue of stolen firearms fueling violent crime. For Ricky Pearsall and his family, the focus remains on his recovery and eventual return to the football field, while legal proceedings against the young suspect unfold.