White Bear Township woman hit by arrow sues neighbors

A woman who was hit in the leg with a hunting arrow while mowing her lawn in White Bear Township has sued her neighbors over her injuries.

The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in Ramsey County District Court on behalf of Donna and John Rotschafer, said Leemichael J. Roe, 36, was using a compound bow and broadhead bleeder arrow for target practice. The neighbors' homes, between Bald Eagle Lake and Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park, appear to be 100 yards apart, separated by trees and foliage.

The lawsuit said Donna Rotschafer was mowing her yard in the 5900 block of Hobe Lane on Oct. 19, 2009, when the arrow went through her leg. Unlike a target-shooting arrow, which has a single point, the arrow that hit her had four "bleeder blades," which are used to take down large game animals. It allegedly caused permanent injuries.

Rotschafer and her husband, John, are suing Roe as well as his mother and stepfather, Denise and Wayne Z. Young, who live in the 5900 block of W. Bald Eagle Parkway. The lawsuit asks for the standard "in excess of $50,000."

The Rotschafers did not return a phone message left at their home on Wednesday; no phone number could be found for Roe or the Youngs.

PAT PHEIFER