WEST PARK, FLA. (WSVN) - A block party in West Park spiraled into chaos after, authorities said, shots rang out, sending one man to the hospital, early Saturday morning.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office received a report of a shooting along the 2000 block of Southwest 48th Avenue, just before 3 a.m.
A man who lives in the street told 7News the block party was so noisy, he and his wife had trouble falling asleep. At first, they thought the shots were leftover Fourth of July firecrackers.
“After that, we heard yelling, ‘Those are gunshots,'” said the area resident, who asked not to be identified. “We got down on the floor, I’m covering my wife, and we were just praying, hoping that no one got hurt.”
“There was a whole bunch of people just everywhere, scattered all over,” said his wife.
“I heard them shots, then I run in the house,” said another neighbor.
When deputies arrived, investigators said, they found one male victim with a gunshot wound.
Paramedics transported the victim to Memorial Regional Hospital with life-threatening injuries. 7News has learned he may not survive.
Hours after the incident, 7News cameras captured the street where the shooting took place littered with trash and empty alcohol bottles. A parked car had a bullet hole.
Officials said no one has been taken into custody in connection to the incident.
“Actions have consequences, and I hope that the person who did this gets some type of conviction,” said one neighbor. “You have kids playing basketball everyday at the park. Everyone knows everybody. It’s a shame, but … life.”
Another area resident said the shooting underscores the toll gun violence takes. “A constant reminder that guns don’t solve anything,” he said. “Let’s hope that the community grows from this.”
“Everything was going good until they started shooting,” said one neighbor.
Sunday morning, BSO detectives said the victim remains in “very serious” condition. They are not yet releasing his identity “for investigative reasons.”
Authorities continue to investigate.
If you have any information on this shooting, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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