A San Francisco police sergeant, Joelle Harrell, bravely recalled the harrowing moment she heard gunshots and instinctively rushed toward the scene, only to find herself aiding 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. Unbeknownst to Harrell at the time, she was helping an NFL player who had been shot during an attempted robbery in the city’s Union Square area.
The shocking incident unfolded when a 17-year-old suspect allegedly tried to snatch Pearsall’s Rolex, resulting in the wide receiver being shot. As Harrell tended to his wounds, she learned that Pearsall played for the 49ers. Despite the gravity of the situation, Pearsall asked the sergeant if he was going to die. In a calm and reassuring voice, Harrell told him, “You’re strong. Just focus on the breathing,” she shared with the *San Francisco Chronicle*.
Her composed guidance helped Pearsall calm down, which was exactly what she intended. The bullet that struck Pearsall passed through his chest and exited out of his back. Fortunately, he was released from the hospital less than 24 hours after the shooting, a testament to his resilience and the quick response by Sgt. Harrell.
Pearsall’s mother, Erin, expressed her profound relief and gratitude on Facebook, acknowledging how lucky her son was to survive the ordeal. “First and foremost, I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy. He is extremely lucky; GOD shielded him. The bullet missed his vital organs,” she wrote.
Reflecting on the fragility of life, 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.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the bravery of those who run toward danger to help others.
