DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - An investigation is underway after a deputy-involved shooting in Deerfield Beach.
According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, around 3 a.m., Monday, a deputy on duty heard shots fired at the Tropicante nightclub, near the 4200 block of North Dixie Highway. Upon his arrival, a suspect shot at the deputy, forcing him to return fire.
The suspect fled in a vehicle along with other suspects. Officials put up a perimeter in the area early Monday morning and K-9 units and SWAT team members assisted in the search, but they were unable to locate a suspect.
Surveillance from a nearby business showed investigators as they swarmed the scene at around 2:27 a.m.
The deputy involved was not shot but was taken to an area hospital to be checked out. He is said to be OK.
“Fortunately, the deputy was not struck. He did return fire,” said Broward Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Veda Coleman-Wright. “We don’t know if any of the suspects were hit.”
Officials said deputies found one man at the nightclub who had been hit by gunfire. He was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery. His condition or connection to the shooting remains unknown.
Rocky Pericles, the manager at Tropicante, said he heard the shots from a few blocks away. “Basically, I heard gunshots fired coming off the 48th to 43rd Street, and I guess the guy just came in this way, and the deputy noticed and opened fire,” he said.
People who live nearby said crime isn’t uncommon in their neighborhood, and they avoid hanging around outdoors for too long.
“It’s horrible. It’s unsafe to be around here walking in the streets. I’m walking to work now,” said Ines Torres, a resident, “especially when you have people shooting police officers. That’s crazy.”
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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