Edith Blackwell is very lucky to be alive.
Less than 24 hours after being hit in the back with a stray bullet at a Sunoco gas station in Chester, City Controller Edith Blackwell is out of the hospital and thankful to be alive.
"I thought I was going to die actually after I realized I was shot," Blackwell said.
Police released new surveillance images of the man they believe fired several shots outside of the gas station Friday.
They are also looking for the white sedan he may have been driving.
Investigators say the gunman's target was 25 year old Brennen Johnson, who was shot in both legs. According to police, he is also wanted on drug violations.
One of the flying bullets hit Blackwell, who could be seen in surveillance video running back into the store.
"Mind you, if I would have gone to my truck, I may not be sitting with you here today, because the bullets and shell casings were all around my truck," said Blackwell.
Blackwell was rushed to the hospital where doctors told her if the bullet had hit a little higher, she would have been killed. The doctors left the bullet in her back until they can determine if it can be safely removed.
"I just thank god for the angels that encamped around me," Blackwell said.
Blackwell was sworn in as Chester's financial watch dog last month.
She has always been active in serving the community which has seen a staggering amount of violence.
As police look for the man in the image, she says the incident will make her term as an elected leader a stronger one as she works to prevent violent acts like the one that almost took her life.
"This is going to make me be out there even more," said Blackwell.
