POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating a workplace dispute that led to a deputy-involved shooting in Pompano Beach and left two Broward County Mass Transit employees dead.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a shooting near the 3200 block of West Copans Road, at around 11:27 p.m. on Wednesday.
“Shots fired. Employee started shooting, approximately one person shot. Advising the employee has a gun,” said a dispatcher on radio transmissions.
“While they were en-route to the scene, they were given information that an armed adult male may still be in the area,” said BSO spokesperson Veda Coleman-Wright.
Once deputies arrived, detectives said, they encountered an armed 59-year-old suspect who had fatally shot his 42-year-old co-worker at the end of their shift.
“This armed individual had gotten into some type of — I don’t know if it was an argument or a dispute — but he actually shot and killed one of his co-workers,” said Coleman-Wright.
Alejandro Penediro, who works at a nearby tire shop, said he was inside the business when his co-worker told him to hide because of the shooting.
Speaking in Spanish, Penediro said he heard a few shots, then a barrage, and that was when he ran for cover.
“I was terrified. I had never been in something like that,” he said.
Cellphone video showed responding deputies guided in by workers, and that’s when, investigators said, the shooter took aim at the deputies.
“At some point, he fired at deputies, and deputies returned fire,” said Coleman-Wright.
The gunshots could be heard on a cellphone video obtained by 7News.
Hours later, bullet holes could be seen on the windshield of a transit bus.
The suspect was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said three BSO deputies opened fire.
The shooting is currently under investigation by BSO’s Crime Scene, Homicide and Internal Affairs units, along with FDLE.
Broward County officials released the following statement on the incident:
Broward County Employee Assistance Teams were deployed early this morning to work with fellow employees who have been affected by last night’s tragedy at one of our bus maintenance facilities.
The County has been fully cooperating with all law enforcement activities related to this incident.
“This is a tragic loss of life. Our Broward County family grieves the loss of these two transit employees. Let us keep their memories in our thoughts and prayers as we process this terrible loss,” said Mayor Nan Rich.
Our bus operations will run as scheduled however there may be some delays or minor interruptions because of the ongoing investigations at our facility.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life in our Broward County family”, said Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero, “on behalf of County Administration and our Board of County Commissioners, we extend our most heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, coworkers and loved ones during this very difficult time.”
Office of Public Communications
The three deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, following BSO policy, pending further investigation.
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