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Wagner's Condition Improving, More Surgeries Likely

Last updated on Thursday, March 5, 2015

(LOUISVILLE) - 30-year-old Keith Wagner is recovering after he suffered to gunshot wounds during an argument on February 25 at Classic Muscle Car & Parts near Paoli.

Wagner, of Bedford, says he was shot twice at point-blank range by a co-worker, 48-year-old Michael Kilpatrick, at the business located at 1877 North State Road 37.

Wagner alleges Kilpatrick was stealing from the business and had loaded the stolen items into his vehicle, when he got stuck in the snow.

According to Indiana State Police the two got into an argument in the parking lot.

"I guess he realized he was caught and was upset he got stuck in the snow with his truck and trailer loaded with a bunch of stuff," Wagner added.

Police say the argument turned physical with the two wrestling in the parking lot. Wagner was able to get away and run into a garage and lock the door. Kilpatrick and a witness ran to the building and Kilpatrick began banging on a window. Fearing Kilpatrick would break the window, Wagner unlocked the door.

"I let him in not realizing he had a firearm in his pocket," Wagner added. "Once in, he began shooting."

Police say Kilpatrick was armed with a semi-automatic handgun and shot Wagner in the neck and chest.

Kilpatrick then turned the gun on a witness and fired, but missed.

Kilpatrick ran outside as officers with the Orange County Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police arrived on the scene. Officers ran after Kilpatrick and during the chase they heard shots. They soon found Kilpatrick in the tree line where he had shot himself in the head.

Wagner was flown to the University of Louisville Hospital. Kilpatrick was taken by ambulance to Indiana University of Paoli Hospital. He died on the way to the hospital.

"I have had 2 surgeries thus far and more surgeries are needed," Wagner says. "So far I have have needed 14 pints of blood because of the internal bleeding caused by the severe damage, I have a hole in my liver, I have a hole in my diaphragm, I have broken ribs, and my right lung collapsed and there is other damage. I am truly blessed to still be alive."

Wagner, the father of a 4-year-old son named Braxton, has no insurance, no workman's compensation and is looking at more than $400,000 in medical bills.

"Thank you all so very much for your prayers, support and any assistance you might be able to offer. I will keep everyone posted on my status," Wagner added.

To help with medical expenses visit www.gofundme.com/KeithWagner.

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