Ozzy Osbourne's former guitarist Jake E. Lee said he encountered “a few thieves” and confronted a group of masked men before he was shot multiple times in Las Vegas last week.
The 67-year-old rocker, who was punched three times in a “totally indiscriminate” attack on October 15, was walking his dog Coco when he had a violent confrontation with a mean crew member.
“On our way home from a walk, Coco and I passed several thieves, dressed in black, hoodies, heads down, and masks covering their mouths. I'm checking the bike.” Lee wrote on Facebook: Sunday.
“There was a verbal confrontation, but it ended with an agreement that I walk one way and they walk the other way. That didn't work out. I'll tell you more about it later, but for now I'll take it easy. We have no choice but to do it one by one.
“Let’s look for another cute photo of Coco!”
After the shooting, Lee was taken to “the intensive care unit of a Las Vegas hospital,” a representative said.
“Las Vegas authorities believe the shooting was completely random and occurred while Mr. Lee was walking his dog in the early morning hours. As this incident remains under police investigation, no further comment will be made. Lee and his family would appreciate your respect for their privacy at this time.”
Lee wrote that police found 15 shell casings at the scene and that at least one of the robbers tried to shoot him and emptied all of his bullets.
“There was only so much I could dodge, so one bullet went through my forearm, one through my leg, and one through my back, breaking my ribs and damaging my lungs.” the guitarist wrote on Facebook. Thursday.
“The priority now is to keep draining your lungs until you're done crying. Then we can pull the tube out and focus on the more minor injuries.”
Lee was Osbourne's lead guitarist from 1982 to 1985, appearing on the albums Bark at the Moon and Ultimate Sin before being replaced by Zakk Wylde.
He was also a member of the heavy metal band Badlands and later formed Red Dragon Cartel in 2013.
