URBANA, Md. — A 16-year-old boy who is an honors student and football player is in the hospital fighting for his life, and his father is calling him a hero after the boy jumped in front of gunfire to save a complete stranger.
On Aug. 9, Chase Lancaster was at a party with friends at a clubhouse in the 3300 block of Galena Drive, when shots rang out.
His father, Alex Lancaster, said at some point during the shooting, Chase shielded a girl from gunfire, saving her life but nearly taking his.
“They didn’t think he would survive two surgeries, but he’s survived 14, thus far. The bullet came in through the back side of upper chest, hit his kidney ─ bruised and injured his liver.” Alex Lancaster said.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s office told WUSA9 that Chase was not the intended target.
WUSA9 spoke to the family of the 17-year-old girl who walked out unharmed. They provided the following statement:
“Chase grabbed my daughter and pulled her behind him before they ran inside. Chase saved my daughter from being the one that was shot. His family has been so kind to my daughter. We pray every day that Chase makes it through this terrible ordeal. No kid should have to live through what he has had to endure. We hope that the shooter is brought to justice.”
Chase remains in the intensive care unit with a long recovery ahead. His father told WUSA9 he's lost more than 100 units of blood and he’ll have to learn to walk and talk again.
"He’s not a victim, he’s a hero. I’m so grateful for the man he’s becoming and the heroic act but my heart is still broken for all his injuries.”
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with hospital expenses. A portion of the donations will go toward a reward for any information leading to an arrest.
A local Gaithersburg business is also hosting a Zumba fundraising event on behalf of Chase.
The Fredrick County Sheriff's Office confirmed to WUSA9 that no arrests have been made in the shooting.