FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities are searching for the driver who, they said, took off from the drive-thru of a McDonald’s restaurant in Fort Lauderdale following a police-involved shooting, Monday afternoon.
Officers detained one of two male passengers who took off on foot from the scene. The third subject remains on the run.
Fort Lauderdale Police confirmed one of their officers opened fire in the 2300 block of West Sunrise Boulevard, just after 12:15 p.m.
According to Fort Lauderdale Police, officers were attempting to stop a stolen Ford Fusion with three men in the restaurant’s drive-thru. That’s when two men jumped out of the silver sedan and took off running.
Police said responding officers saw one of the subjects discard a firearm as he ran.
Witnesses said the driver then attempted to flee. “The driver of the car stepped on the gas and took off through the drive-thru,” said witness Pat Hanley.
Investigators said the driver then hit one of the officers, throwing his body on the roof of the car.
“He was actually laying down on it. He was laying down on top of the car, and he turned around and shot into it,” said witness Chris Harter.
“Officers did draw their firearms and fired shots into the vehicle. It is unknown at this time if the driver was actually struck,” said Fort Lauderdale Police Detective Keven Dupree.
The motorist then jumped a curb and headed west on Sunrise Boulevard, initially driving on the eastbound lanes.
#FLPD Ref OIS. Shots fired at 2300 W. Sunrise. Suspect fled in vehicle. Active search. Firearm recovered at scene. Unknown if suspect struck
— Fort Lauderdale Police (@ftlauderdalepd) November 28, 2016
#FLPD Ref. Shooting. UPDATE. 2 suspects at large. 1 in custody. 1 officer transported to Broward Health w/ minor injuries after… (1 of 2)
— Fort Lauderdale Police (@ftlauderdalepd) November 28, 2016
…being struck by suspect vehicle. Vehicle recovered, unoccupied. Vehicle (Ford Fusion) confirmed stolen. Ongoing investigation. (2 of 2)
— Fort Lauderdale Police (@ftlauderdalepd) November 28, 2016
Witnesses said it was unclear who was shooting at whom. “That’s what’s tricky about it, is because you heard ‘pop, pop, pow’ and you saw the gentleman flee, so you’d think it was him, but from what I understand, the cops were the ones who shot at him,” said Hanley.
“It all really happened so quick,” said Harter.
Store manager Shauna Harvey said she is still reeling from the display of gunfire. “It’s a lot. It’s very traumatic. I hope that they catch who they’re looking for,” she said. “Whoever did what they were doing, I hope they get him.”
The officer was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.
Officers apprehended the passenger spotted discarding the gun. The driver and the other subject remain at large.
The Fusion was later found abandoned along the 2800 block of Northwest 15th Court. Police confirmed the car had been reported as stolen.
Police said they recovered a handgun at the scene and another firearm inside the abandoned car.
If you have any information on this incident, 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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