FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities said they are investigating an accidental shooting in Pompano Beach that sent a boy to the hospital after the victim’s parents took him to a nearby fire station.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the shooting took place at an apartment complex on the 4000 block of Southwest 15th Street, at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday.
Neighbor Tiffany Monegato told 7News that she heard screaming, followed by the people in the apartment going outside.
“And then we just heard like the whole family like running out, and it was like a really loud scream, it was like a something [bad] happened scream,” she said. “And I got worried, I told my husband, I was like ‘Something’s wrong.’ You know, that kind of scream isn’t, like, normal.”
Monegato said she then saw a man and a woman carrying the victim, who appeared to be 3 or 4 years old, out of the apartment.
While en route to the scene, BSO deputies and Pompano Beach Fire Rescue units were notified that the victim’s parents drove the child to the closest fire station.
Investigators said paramedics assumed medical care and rushed the victim to an area hospital in critical condition.
Outside the fire station, detectives collected boxes of evidence from the black SUV where the boy was taken in. They were also seen speaking to a woman who had a child with her. It’s unclear whether or not the woman is the victim’s mother.
Back at the scene of the incident, 7News cameras captured the victim’s basketball net at their home, as well as a trail of blood leading to the front door. Hours earlier, crime scene investigators were seen collecting evidence.
Neighbors said the victim lives in the apartment with his sister, whom they believe to be 6 to 8 years old, and their parents.
“They don’t bother anybody, the kids are always very healthy-looking, they’re taken care of very well, they’re happy kids,” said resident Mary Willis. “I never hear no arguing, no yelling over here, no problem with polices coming over here.”
Detectives with BSO’s Crime Scene and Violent Crimes Unit have taken over the investigation and are attempting to figure out what exactly happened — whether the victim got a hold of the gun and discharged it, or if somebody else accidentally shot the victim.
Meanwhile, residents of the apartment complex remain in shock.
“I don’t know what to say. It’s sad; I feel like crying just thinking about it,” said Monegato.
“My thoughts and prayers go out, and hopefully he pulls through, you know, from what happened. I don’t know where he got shot at, and I just keep his family in my prayers,” said Willis.
7News reached out to BSO to find out the age of the victim. As for whether or not his parents will be facing any criminal charges, detectives said it’s too early to say.
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