The San Francisco police officer who helped save the life of 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall after he was shot in the chest recently shared her side of the story.

SFPD Sgt. Joelle Harrell shared the harrowing details of the shooting with ESPN.

“When he got up, I saw his wound on his chest,” Harrell said. “And I thought, ‘Oh no.’ So I took my strong hand and put it over the hole to create a suction. And then I took my other hand to apply direct pressure to his head. He says, ‘Is this going to kill me?’ I said, ‘Look at me. I know you don’t know me, but I want you to trust me, it’s not your time.’ ”

Ricky Pearsall and his family meet the San Francisco police officer who helped save his life after he was shot. pic.twitter.com/zXma8DXOC0

— ESPN (@espn) October 27, 2024

The shooting took place in Union Square on August 31, leaving the 49ers rookie with a wound in his chest after a failed robbery attempt. A 17-year-old man from Tracy tried to rob Pearsall of his Rolex watch and jewelry.

After a prolonged struggle, Pearsall was shot in the chest. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins charged the suspect with attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic weapon and attempted second-degree robbery.

Miraculously, Pearsall avoided serious damage and returned to the team facility just a few days after the incident.

The 24-year-old was recently activated and made his first appearance of the season in last week’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pearsall and Sgt. Harrell will likely remain connected for the rest of their lives.

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