HALLANDALE BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Police said they have arrested a young man in connection to a shooting in the parking lot of a McDonald’s in Hallandale Beach that sent a man and his 11-year-old daughter to the hospital, as detectives continue their search for more subjects.
Hallandale Beach Police confirmed Monday morning that they have apprehended 18-year-old Ralph N-Kosi Blue III in connection to Saturday’s incident outside the fast food restaurant, located along the 800 block of West Hallandale Beach Boulevard.
Blue faces two counts of aggravated battery, two counts of aggravated assault and one count of disorderly conduct.
Investigators said the victims were waiting in a car while the child’s mother went in the restaurant to pick up their food order.
“Two innocent bystanders involved in a situation that had nothing to do with them,” said Hallandale Beach Police Megan Jones. “There was an individual coming to McDonald’s to where other people appeared to be waiting for them.”
Detectives said Blue was an employee at the McDonald’s who was reporting for work. Investigators said the dispute in which he was involved started elsewhere.
Surveillance video outside of the fast food restaurant appears to show Blue pulling out a gun and aiming it at another man, who took cover behind a black Toyota Highlander where the father and daughter sat while the mother went inside to pick up their order.
Blue can be seen firing his weapon in the direction of the other individual, striking a passenger window in the process.
“As soon as [the girl’s mother] heard the incident, she went back outside, looking to – if her family was involved and discovered that her husband and her child had been shot,” said Jones.
“Patient will be in a black Highlander. There was one man who was running on foot towards the alleyway,” said a first responder in radio transmissions.
“Subject was last seen running on foot on West Hallandale Beach Boulevard and headed eastbound,” said a dispatcher in radio transmissions.
The injured victims were transported to a nearby hospital where the father was treated and released, and the girl remains in stable condition.
Monday morning, police said there were two other children, ages 2 and 5, inside the vehicle when the shooting happened, but they were not hurt.
Detectives said this investigation is far from over.
“We’re working to resolve the issue and obtain all parties involved,” said Jones.
In a statement, Hallandale Beach Police Chief Michel Michel wrote:
“This arrest is the result of the relentless work of our detectives and the strong partnership we share with the Broward Sheriff’s Office. A family was hurt by a reckless act of violence that had nothing to do with them. Today’s arrest is a significant step, but our investigation is far from over. We remain committed to identifying everyone involved and holding them fully accountable.”
Blue is being held at the Broward County Jail.
Brad Ashlin, the owner/operator of the McDonald’s location where the incident occurred, issued the following statement on Monday:
“We are devastated by the shooting that occurred outside our restaurant this past weekend. Our thoughts are with the father and young daughter who were injured, as well as their family during this difficult time. The individual reported to be involved is no longer employed at our organization. We will continue to support the Hallandale Beach Police Department, including providing surveillance footage and any assistance needed for their investigation.”
Blue appeared in bond court Monday afternoon. He was denied bond.
Police continue searching for the other subject involved, and they urge anyone with information to come forward.
If you have any information on this shooting or the whereabouts of the subjects who remain on the run, 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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