Exploring several genres in the music industry, Jake E. Lee performed in bands like Badlands and Red Dragon Cartel. But back during the 1980s, Lee found himself standing alongside the Prince of Darkness Ozzy Osbourne. The lead guitarist for the icon, Lee eventually parted ways to expand his career in music. But recently, Lee made headlines when he was shot several times while walking his dog in Las Vegas. With reports sharing details surrounding the shooting, Lee decided to share his side of the story.
Posting a picture of his dog on Facebook, Lee decided to celebrate Thanksgiving by giving thanks he was still alive. He wrote, “Hope everyone’s enjoying their Thanksgiving. I’ve been debating on publicly talking about getting shot and have decided that it would probably be good for me. Somewhat therapeutic, and by documenting it I can more easily put it behind me. And you might find parts of it interesting! At first it seemed too daunting but then I realized I can do it in parts.”
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Promising to add more to the story later, Lee started with the basics. “We were about 50ft apart when I heard the shots. I quickly realized he wasn’t aiming at me. He was aiming at my dog! I threw my end of the leash at Coco and yelled to go home. He did. He’s a good boy.”
Jake E. Lee Promises The Scars Aren’t Much Bigger Than His “Age Spots”
With Lee getting his dog to safety, the musician turned his attention to the attacker. “The first shot to hit me was in my left forearm. Entered about an inch below the elbow on the underside. Exited topside. It felt like a burn. Not particularly painful, just like a quick burning sensation. I thought it must have been a graze.”
Thankfully, the shots didn’t hit any bones as Lee said, “Fortunately it missed any bones, and my elbow joint, and has healed remarkably quickly. The scars aren’t much bigger or darker than some of my age spots and I’d probably have to point them out for you to notice. All the fingers still move well. Initially lost the feeling on the back of my hand but it has been slowly coming back.”
According to police reports, Lee was shot while standing in his driveway with his dog. Not hitting any vital organs, the bullets did hit him in the forearm, the back, and his foot. And although painful, Lee insisted, “In the spirit of giving thanks, I am most thankful my dog wasn’t hurt, and also the damage to my fretting arm was minimal.”
(Photo by Ben Gabbe/Getty Images)
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