LAUDERHILL, FLA. (WSVN) - A 15-year-old boy remains in the hospital after he was shot in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Lauderhill, police said.
Lauderhill Police officers were dispatched to Lauderhill Point Apartment Homes, located along the 3100 block of Northwest 19th Street, just after 8:30 p.m., Thursday.
According to investigators, the 15-year-old was standing in the parking lot when gunfire erupted, striking him several times.
“I heard the shooting, came outside and saw the little boy about to walk out the gate,” said Brian Howard, who was visiting family in the area. “They stopped him from walking out the gate because he looked like he was going to pass out. Then they called the ambulance, and the police came.”
The teenager was transported to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, where he is listed in serious condition.
Police have not specified whether the boy was targeted or an innocent bystander.
A woman who has lived in the complex for about three years said gun violence in the area is an ongoing issue.
“Probably every weekend, every other weekend or every other month there’s something always going on, violence over here in this complex,” said the woman, who asked to not be identified. “There’s got to be a solution, there’s got to be a change.”
She said she’s worried for the children in the community.
“Kids cannot even play over here, and it’s not even a safe environment because you never know when someone’s going to get to shooting,” the woman said.
“I’m trying to get myself out of here with my 8-year-old so I can see him at the age of 15,” said another woman who did not want to be identified.
“People just be hanging out outside, and then stupid stuff happens, and that’s why most people don’t even come outside no more,” said Howard.
Howard agrees gun violence in the area has become a major problem.
“Sometimes I don’t even come over here and visit because of the recent shootings that already happened over here,” he said. “It’s crazy.”
Detectives have not disclosed any information about a possible subject or subjects, as they 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 reward of up to $5,000.
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