San Francisco’s Union Square became the scene of a near-tragedy on Saturday when 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery. The 23-year-old athlete, who had just finished shopping at luxury stores, was ambushed by a 17-year-old assailant who targeted him for his expensive watch.

Sergeant Joelle Harrell of the San Francisco Police Department was close by when the gunshots rang out. Without hesitation, she sprinted to the scene, where she found Pearsall bleeding profusely from a chest wound. Harrell’s quick thinking and decisive actions likely saved the young star’s life.

Using Pearsall’s shirt and her police cap, Harrell applied pressure to both the entry and exit wounds, all while keeping him conscious and calm. Pearsall, in a state of shock, asked Harrell if he was going to die-a moment that could have unnerved even the most seasoned officer. But Harrell remained steady, reassuring him with the words, “Be strong, like you’re on the field,” as they waited for paramedics to arrive.

Pearsall survived by a miracle

The bullet had fortunately missed Pearsall’s vital organs, and he was rushed to the hospital for emergency care. By the following day, Pearsall was released, his recovery now a priority for both his family and the 49ers organization.

In the aftermath, the 49ers expressed their deep gratitude to Sgt. Harrell and the first responders who acted so swiftly. While Pearsall’s path to recovery may be long, the heroic actions of one police officer ensured that he lived to tell the tale.