First person shot at Old National Bank shares story of survival, the item that later saved her life
The Tragedy at Old National Bank
The tragedy at the Old National Bank in downtown Louisville continues to haunt the hearts of many. One survivor, Dallas Schwartz, recounts the events that unfolded on that fateful day. She vividly remembers the incident, as it plays over in her mind like a movie.
The First Shot
On Monday, April 10, Schwartz walked into work like any other Monday morning. Little did she know that she would become the first person shot that day. Her co-worker, Conner Sturgeon, had brought an AR-15 to work and unleashed terror upon his colleagues.
As Schwartz settled in at her desk, she found herself face to face with Sturgeon. Confusion and fear filled her mind as she tried to comprehend the situation. Sturgeon demanded that she come with him, leaving Schwartz bewildered and uncertain.
The Life-Saving Warning Shot
Without warning, Sturgeon fired his weapon, striking Schwartz in the leg. She collapsed to the ground, feeling the excruciating pain. Unbeknownst to her, that first shot would serve as a warning for her colleagues, alerting them to the unfolding danger.
Later, her co-workers would reveal that they believed the initial gunshot was a signal that something was terribly wrong. It gave them precious seconds to react and find safety.
Survival Mode
Injured and disoriented, Schwartz realized that time was running out. She knew she had to act quickly or risk bleeding out. As more gunshots echoed through the bank, she snapped into survival mode.
With sheer determination, Schwartz managed to gather her strength and make a run for safety. She found refuge in the bathroom, where she could temporarily hide from the chaos unfolding around her.
Schwartz recalls feeling overwhelmed and scared but focused on doing whatever it took to survive. Her instincts kicked in as she navigated the terrifying ordeal.
The Unexpected Life-Saver
Earlier that morning, Schwartz debated whether or not to bring her winter scarf to work. With temperatures forecasted to be in the 70s, she felt it unnecessary. However, at the last minute, she decided to grab it and wrap it around her neck.
Little did she know that this simple act would save her life. As she bled profusely from her leg, Schwartz used her scarf as a makeshift tourniquet. The scarf helped stem the bleeding, buying her precious time until help arrived.
Desperate Calls for Help
In excruciating pain and fearing for her life, Schwartz dialed 911 in hopes of getting immediate assistance. However, she couldn’t connect with emergency services. Frantically, she called her mother and then her husband, desperately conveying the severity of her situation.
With urgency in her voice, Schwartz informed her loved ones that she had been shot in the leg and was rapidly losing blood. She revealed her location, the bathroom at her workplace, and bid them farewell, unsure if she would survive.
A Nightmarish Scene
Meanwhile, inside the bank, Sturgeon continued his rampage, opening fire on a conference meeting. The sound of gunshots filled the air, alternating with bone-chilling silence. For Schwartz, the silence was often more terrifying than the gunshots themselves.
As she waited anxiously in her hiding place, uncertainty and fear permeated her thoughts. The minutes felt like an eternity as she wondered if help would arrive in time.
A Familiar Face
Despite being only six weeks into her new role as a treasury analyst, Schwartz knew Sturgeon. Some of her co-workers had recently gone out to dinner with him. This added layer of familiarity made the tragedy even more surreal for her.
Reflecting on her brief interaction with Sturgeon, Schwartz admitted that she felt like she was getting to know him. She never anticipated the horrifying turn of events that would unfold.
The Aftermath and Forgiveness
In the aftermath of the shooting, it was revealed that Sturgeon had struggled with mental health issues. His mother even made a frantic 911 call on the morning of the incident, indicating her concerns.
Schwartz acknowledges that she cannot change what happened and holds no hatred in her heart for anyone involved. When asked if she forgives Sturgeon, she hesitates, unsure of her own feelings. Hate is not something she wants to harbor, but forgiveness is still a complex journey for her.
The Road to Recovery
After being transported to University Hospital, Schwartz underwent two surgeries to repair her injured leg. Her stay lasted until Saturday, April 15, when she was then transferred to PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Greater Indiana.
Finally, on May 4, almost a month later, Schwartz was able to return home. It was an emotional homecoming, as she arrived the day before her daughter’s seventh birthday.
With an unwavering determination, Schwartz pushed through her rehabilitation, even leaving four days earlier than planned. She cherishes each day and recognizes the fragility of life.
A Journey of Healing
During her interview, Schwartz remained composed, not shedding a tear. However, she acknowledges that the mental and emotional healing is still a work in progress. The physical aspect of her recovery has demanded much of her attention.
While she has shed tears in private, she knows there is still much to unpack and process. The trauma of the shooting will require time and support to overcome.
A Community of Support
Although Schwartz’s life has been drastically altered, she finds solace in the caring community around her. The tragedy has brought amazing people into her life, offering support and compassion during her journey of healing.
She expresses gratitude for her loving family and the community that stands by her side during this challenging time.
Supporting the Victims and Their Families
In the wake of this devastating event, various funds have been set up to assist the victims and their families. These include:
- A benefit fund at Stock Yards Bank & Trust to help the family with unexpected expenses following the shooting.
- A GoFundMe page that has already raised $10,000. The funds will go towards supporting the victims and their families.
- The Community Foundation of Louisville’s Love for Louisville Old National Survivors Fund, which aims to provide assistance to the victims, their families, survivors, and bank employees.
- The Louisville Metro Police Foundation is raising money to support the families of the five victims who lost their lives in the shooting. They are also collecting funds for LMPD Officer Nick Wilt, who remains in critical condition after being shot in the head while responding to the incident.
These funds serve as a testament to the solidarity and compassion within the community, providing much-needed support to those affected by this tragedy.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the survivors and their families remain in the hearts and minds of many. The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but the strength and resilience displayed by survivors like Dallas Schwartz serve as a beacon of hope in the face of unimaginable darkness.
Source: WDRB Media