NFL Running Back Robbed At Gunpoint In Philadelphia
By Walt Hunter and Jericka Duncan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A former Temple University All-American running back, who helped lead the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl, was the victim of crime in Philadelphia, according to CBS 3 sources.
Those sources confirm that Bernard Pierce was robbed at gunpoint Sunday evening along the 7500 block of Haverford Avenue. His BMW was also stolen.
The car was later recovered and processed at the police garage for possible clues.
Pierce's mother, Tammy Pierce, spoke to Eyewitness News about the incident involving her son.
"First of all, I thank God that he's fine. I don't care whatever he lost -- his car, whatever was in there. He's fine," Pierce said. "I think he was targeted because people knew who he was, and that's sad."
Pierce and a male companion, sources say, were shaken, but were not injured during the robbery.
Sources say a gunman jumped from a car while his accomplice remained behind the wheel and robbed Pierce and his companion, then stole the vehicle.
The car was recovered in another part of the city and taken to the police garage, where it was carefully processed for any possible evidence that might lead to a suspect.
Pierce, who is from Ardmore, was visiting his family. His mother said he had only been in town a week, and that he'd purchased the BMW two weeks ago. She also said that he's now nervous and concerned for his safety.
Pierce was drafted by the Ravens last year, and this past February, they won the Super Bowl.
The Ravens organization, responding to a CBS 3 inquiry, emailed a statement that reads: "We have been in contact with Bernard and we are aware of the situation."
Pierce's agent did not respond to requests for comment.
For now, Philadelphia police are saying only that they are hoping anyone with information that will help them catch the robbers will come forward.
His mother is just grateful her son wasn't harmed.
""It could have turned out to be whole different ball game. He's good, he's healthy."
