FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Rescue crews took a teenager to the hospital after suffering a gunshot wound in downtown Fort Lauderdale, marking the third in a string of holiday shootings in Broward County within 24 hours.
Fort Lauderdale Police said they were in the area at around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday in reference to an event that the teen was attending.
Jared Peter, a witness, told 7News the shooting happened near Southwest Second Street and Nugent Avenue.
“We heard one shot go off,” Peter said. “A Portuguese person got shot in the arm, but later on we realized that he got shot in the chest.”
Investigators said the 14-year-old victim was outside on the street attending an event when an unknown subject opened fire, striking them.
Peter said he was in between a large crowd of teens.
“There were people running all over the place,” said Peter. “It was crazy. He ran straight to the corner right there.”
Club Euro, a local club, posted a video of the police presence, hours before the shooting. The club was hosting an all-ages event that ended about 30 minutes before the shooting.
Paramedics with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue transported the victim to Broward Health Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening. The teen is expected to be OK.
Spoday, the event organizer, said she is sad to hear what occurred outside the club.
“Due to high demand, we got 10 security guards and police detail out here, and still, you know, you can’t prevent what happens outside the venue. I’m sorry to hear what happened, I’m glad they’re OK, but our main priority is the safety of the kids,” she said.
As of 6 p.m. Thursday, no arrests have been made, and the shooting remains under investigation.
Detectives were seen combing the area for clues.
The shooter remains on the loose. Detectives urge anyone with information to come forward.
If you have any information on this shooting or the subject’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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