Former Ozzy Osbourne and Badlands guitarist **Jake E. Lee** has broken his silence regarding the harrowing shooting incident in Las Vegas that left him with multiple gunshot wounds. Returning home to recuperate after a stint at Sunrise Hospital, the Red Dragon Cartel founder provided a chilling account of the night he and his dog, Coco, were targeted by armed thieves.
A Neighborhood Walk Turned Violent
According to Lee, the incident began as a routine late-night walk with his dog. The guitarist recounted crossing paths with two individuals dressed in dark hoodies and face masks who were allegedly scouting a neighbor’s motorcycle. What began as a verbal confrontation appeared to reach a peaceful resolution, with both parties agreeing to walk in opposite directions. However, that agreement quickly dissolved into a one-sided ambush.
Miraculous Survival Amidst a Hail of Gunfire
The severity of the attack is highlighted by the evidence left at the scene. Investigators recovered **15 shell casings**, suggesting the assailant emptied an entire magazine at the musician. Lee, who described himself as “relatively very lucky,” sustained three hits while attempting to dodge the gunfire. The injuries include a through-and-through wound to his forearm, a shot to the foot, and a bullet to the back that fractured a rib and caused significant lung damage.
The Road to Recovery
Currently, Lee’s medical priority is focused on his respiratory health. Doctors have been utilizing a chest tube to drain his damaged lung, a process Lee described with his trademark grit as “waiting for it to stop crying.” Once the internal damage is stabilized, the focus will shift to treating his peripheral injuries. Despite the traumatic nature of the event, Lee maintained a touch of humor for his fans, confirming that his dog, Coco, was unharmed and appreciates the outpouring of concern from the rock community.
An Outpouring of Industry Support
The rock world has rallied around the guitarist since news of the shooting first broke. From former bandmates to peers in the heavy metal scene, the consensus remains one of shock and relief that the legendary “Bark at the Moon” era guitarist survived an encounter that could have easily turned fatal. For now, the “Crimson Warrior” of the fretboard is focused on healing, far away from the dark hoodies and masks of that Vegas driveway.