Bear Rookie Is Wounded in Shooting : Drive-by: Stan Thomas, a tackle, recovering from gunshot in Pacific Beach incident.

A Chicago Bears rookie tackle who was wounded in a Pacific Beach drive-by shooting was reported in good condition Sunday night after surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.

Stan Thomas, 23-year-old first-round NFL draft choice of the Chicago Bears last year, was wounded about 1:15 a.m. Sunday as he was driving away from a Pacific Beach bar which he and two companions had left after an argument with a bar patron, police said. The reason for the dispute was not disclosed by police.

As Thomas was driving away from the Emerald City Bar, police said a white car with three passengers in it suddenly veered in front of Thomas’ car and a gunman leaned out of the front passenger window and fired five times at Thomas’ car. Police declined to say how many bullets hit Thomas’ vehicle or reveal the caliber of the weapon.

One of the bullets struck the windshield and deflected, hitting Thomas in the forehead, police said. No one else in Thomas’ car was injured.

The head wound at first was thought to be life-threatening, a hospital spokeswoman said, but it proved to be much less serious.

After a 45-minute surgery to clean and close the wound, hospital officials said Thomas was alert and talking. Thomas might be released from the hospital today, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Police said they have only a sketchy description of the suspects and their car. It is believed to be a 1987 Honda Accord, and the occupants are described only as three young white men. Police said they had no suspects in custody late Sunday.

The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Thomas, a native of El Centro, started the first seven games at left tackle for the Bears last season before injuring his ankle Oct. 17.

Bears spokesman Bryan Harlan said Sunday that he had been in contact with Thomas’ mother and was reassured that Thomas would recover fully.

“Everyone was initially very upset, but we’re relieved to know the prognosis is good for Stan,” Harlan said.