FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Paramedics rushed a man to the hospital after, Fort Lauderdale Police said, one of their officers was forced to fire their weapon.
Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the shooting at the Yacht Haven Park & Marina, located at 2323 West State Road 84, near Interstate 95, at around 6:20 p.m., Wednesday.
According to the company’s website, the Yacht Haven Park & Marina is a resort and a campsite.
7News spoke with a witnesses, Mark Cooper, and his 12-year-old cousin Bill, who were staying at the campsite at the time of the incident.
“I heard that one guy and another guy got into another altercation here, and basically, I guess, he called security,” said Cooper.
Bill said the altercation stemmed from the man being upset that he had to be relocated to another campsite, which wasn’t functioning properly.
“The dude got moved, and he didn’t want to move, and he had no sewage or power in his camper, so he got mad,” said Bill.
According to investigators, the marina’s property manager contacted police.
“The officer was notified by the property manager that there was a disturbance that was occurring on property. The officer made contact with an adult male,” said FLPD Maj. Patrick Hart.
However, Bill and his family said the officer was off duty, living at the camp grounds.
“Were you able to see what the officer was wearing?” asked 7New’s reporter Daniella Garcia.
“Yea he had like Nike shorts on. White polo,” said Bill.
Minutes later, police said, the officer requested backup.
“[The officer] then requested other officers to assist with that individual. At some point, the officer discharged his firearm and requested [emergency medical services],” said Hart.
It remains unclear whether the subject fired at the officer or threatened him.
But Bill said he witnessed the moments leading up to the shooting.
“We seen a cop car and we just got all nosey and went over,” said Bill.
“And you saw the police officer shoot a man?” asked 7New’s reporter Daniella Garcia.
“Yeah,” Bill replied.
What he saw is traumatizing for anyone, at any age.
“He said, ‘I’m going to shoot you,’ and then he pulled out his gun, basically just shot him. and then he fell face first on the ground,” said Bill. “
Paramedics transported the subject to Broward Health Medical Center in unknown condition.
Officials said the officer was not hurt.
“It’s a preliminary investigation, so we do not have a lot of information, so we do ask for your patience,” said Hart.
Officers blocked off the entrance to the marina while they investigated.
“They got it all taped off right now, but for the most part, there’s a lot of cops back there,” said witness Mark Cooper.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating as it’s protocol whenever there is an officer-involved shooting.
The officer will likely be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
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