HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - The South Florida man who, police said, shot at passing cars with a rifle in a Hollywood neighborhood, Saturday morning, is facing attempted murder charges for the incident that sent one driver to the hospital.
Hollywood Police said 40-year-old Carl Washington repeatedly shot at five people with a .22-caliber rifle as they drove past him near North 64th Avenue and Garfield Street, at around 10:15 a.m.
Victim Steve Apakian told 7News he bailed out of his car and fled. “It’s really hard to believe that you’re seeing what you’re seeing,” he said. “I mean, for him to turn and look at me, at that point it was a matter of quick reflexes.”
Another victim who asked not to be identified or show his face on camera said he hit the gas after hearing gunfire. “He fired a shot. I looked up, and I heard four shots hit the car,” he said.
Police said the driver of a red pickup truck that crashed at the scene, identified as Reynaldo Corria, was shot in the back of the head.
“He lost control and hit the tree,” said witness Jack Bermudez.
7News cameras captured the heavily damaged truck moments after the accident. Corria was found unconscious in the driver’s seat.
In addition to the head wound, officials said, Corria suffered leg fractures. He was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Neighbors said Washington, who was handcuffed at the scene, had walked out of his home on the 6300 block of Garfield Street carrying a .22 caliber rifle and a four-pack of beer. Witnesses said he set the beer down in the street at an intersection and then opened fire.
“I was very, very scared,” said the victim who asked to remain anonymous. “It makes you think twice when you go out again.”
Police said Washington tried to hide in a nearby house but was eventually apprehended. Officers recovered the rifle at the scene.
Apakian said he has another special reason to be grateful. “It’s my wife’s birthday today, and I said, ‘Rather than you going to a wake, I’m here for your birthday,'” he said.
Washington has been charged with five counts of attempted premeditated murder. A motive for his actions remains unclear.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.