Woman Shot While Walking Her Dog Near Jefferson Park Shares Harrowing Story
A 29-year-old woman visiting Denver is recovering after being shot in the leg while walking her dog near Jefferson Park, just blocks from Empower Field at Mile High. The incident occurred late on Nov. 14, leaving Courtney Lauer with a shattered femur and a new perspective on survival and gratitude.
Lauer, who was in town to visit her twin sister, was walking her dog, Sawyer, to Jefferson Park when she noticed two juveniles checking cars for unlocked doors. “I very quickly realized they were dangerous,” Lauer recalled. The juveniles spotted her, gave chase, and ultimately shot her in the thigh as she attempted to flee back to her sister’s apartment.
“As I’m running back to my apartment, I knew I wasn’t going to make it in time,” Lauer said. “And it’s just circling in my head, ‘what is going to happen when they catch up to me?’” After being shot, she managed to hide between two vehicles and call 911. A good Samaritan from the neighborhood came to her aid, holding her hand and keeping her calm until emergency responders arrived.
Lauer was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent treatment for her injuries. Denver police later arrested two juveniles in connection with the shooting. Now out of the hospital, Lauer faces a long road to recovery, working toward walking unaided by a cane. Despite the trauma, she expressed gratitude for the kindness she experienced.
“In one moment, I was so sad for humanity that this was real, and then in the next moment, I was truly restored with humanity because of all the kindness of people who put themselves in danger to help me,” Lauer said.
She also credits her attention to detail with helping police apprehend the suspects. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Lauer with her medical expenses as she continues her recovery.
