LAKEWOOD, Wash. – A Seattle college student was caught off guard after being shot in the legs while using an ATM inside a shopping complex in Lakewood.

What we know:

Alexandria, who asked that we not use her full name, says it happened at the B & I shopping center. She says she still has a bullet lodged in one of her legs that currently cannot be removed, and the shooter is still on the loose.

Alexandria says she was hit by a random bullet after violence erupted inside the building.

What they’re saying:

Because of her injuries, she had to put her freshman college courses on hold along with work, as Lakewood Police continue the search for the shooter.

“I never thought that anything like this would ever happen to me,” said Alexandria.

She says she was shopping for birthday gifts for her dad and sister when her world was turned upside down on Jan. 17.

“Everything was completely normal and then out of nowhere we just hear, like loud gunshots,” she said.

 She and a friend were getting cash from an ATM in the hallway of the building just before the chaos erupted.

“Initially my friend and I first thought they were fireworks because it smelled like firecracker powder kind of thing so we didn’t think anything of it, then I started to realize that I got shot and then everything happened super fast,” she said Alexandria.

While she couldn’t see who opened fire, or who the target was, she immediately felt the impact.

“It was like a burning sensation, like a cool hot sensation,” said Alexandria.

Her friend, and an employee, sprang into action to provide first aid.

“She was really quick to respond, she held her hand on my legs and put pressure,” said Alexandria. 

A random bullet pierced both of her legs.

“It was just one bullet that completely went in and out of my left leg and then into my right leg,” she said.

This x-ray shows where the bullet came to a stop in her leg.

“It’s still there. They can’t move it,” said Alexandria.

 She’s at home now, recovering with her loyal dog Snoopy, pictured below:

Her friend also started an online fundraiser for her medical bills and unexpected expenses.

She’s also had to take time off from classes at North Seattle College and is unable to drive to her job at the gym.

“As of now I just have a hard time walking and sitting down,” she said.

Her message to others is to be aware of their surroundings, as this random shooting caught her totally unaware.

“Just be careful. It could be anybody. Anything could happen to you when you go outside,” she said. “I’m not saying you can’t live your life, but just be more aware and look around. If something is off, remove yourself quickly.”

If you know who is responsible for the shooting, contact Lakewood Police.

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