FORT COLLINS, Colo. — When she was alerted by her daughter that someone was breaking into the family SUV again, Rachel Drogsvold thought it was just a teenager she could confront.
Instead of a teenager, Drogsvold encountered two men who were going through her Toyota. One of them fired multiple shots, hitting her twice in the leg just outside her home in southeast Fort Collins.
The incident happened early Monday morning around 1 a.m. Oct. 21. As of this publication, police are still trying to identify and track down the suspects.
“I was terrified. I’ve never been so afraid in my life. Immediately, I just tried to run to my house and was scared to death that I would be shot in my back trying to flee,” Drogsvold told 9NEWS.
Drogsvold said the shooting has profoundly changed her perspective about life and safety in Fort Collins. She told 9NEWS her car has been broken into four times this past year and she was frustrated when she darted out the door.
“My perspective is different now. I felt safe. Maybe I was naïve. I do have a different outlook now. Maybe above all, I need to be able to defend myself,” Drogsvold said.
Drogsvold reached out to 9NEWS to share her story in a “non-sensational way” with hopes her experience can convey a sense of change for those who hear about the incident.
“If at any point someone feels compelled like I did to intervene, maybe think twice. However, I almost don’t mean what I say because I ran right out there. I’m sick of it. I’m fed up with it. I’ve made multiple reports. It’s too much for the police to try and investigate,” Drogsvold said.
“In hindsight, I think maybe a better course of action would have been just better to call the police. I didn’t know,” Drogsvold added, while saying she expected a teenager next to the vehicle and not two armed men.
During her interview, she expressed thanks to the police and first responders who she says went “above and beyond” in her time of need.
The Fort Collins Police Department are asking the public to send any information or tips about the incident by calling their tip line at 970-416-2125.
If you have any information about this story or would like to send a news tip, you can contact jeremy@9news.com.