Sharper Edge Employee Becomes Hero

Now It’s Your Turn

The Sharper Edge (610 E 135 St.) employee Josh Owen came to the rescue of a woman being attacked in the parking lot at Walmart in Shawnee Mission, KS, on September 11. The former Air Force veteran who fought in Afghanistan warded off further attacks to the woman but sustained wounds in the process of his heroic rescue.

The woman was strapping her baby into the back seat of her car when two attackers began repeatedly beating her on the back of the head. Hearing her screams, Owen came running to her aid when the attackers pulled a gun and began shooting Owen. Another “good Samaritan” who carried a concealed handgun shot back, killing one of the thugs. The other was later caught. The mother and baby are fine.

Owen was rushed to the hospital where he sustained wounds to the face, wrist and chest.

As is typical of the contractor industry, Owen did not have medical insurance. According to Owen’s sister-in-law, Brittany Parks, he is expected to undergo multiple surgeries over the course of six months. She has set up a GoFundMe.com account on the internet, which in one week raised over $100,000.

Owen joined the Air Force soon after 9/11 in 2001. He served over four years fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2012, Owen was present during the shooting incident at Independence Mall where he helped those who were injured.

“This comes as no surprise to anyone,” says The Sharper Edge owner Scott Rutledge. “Josh is just a really unselfish guy. He’s the type that comes in early and leaves late. He’s the first to jump in and do hard work. He has always put others before himself.” The Sharper Edge specializes in concrete landscape edging.

Owens has been with The Sharper Edge for over five years. He has a wife and 15-year-old daughter.

—-

To donate or for further updates on Josh’s health go to GoFundMe.com: https://www.gofundme.com/2hzy86kc?ssid=752139165&pos=1