FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Rescue crews took a woman to the hospital after, authorities said, she was shot in the middle of a busy Lauderdale Lakes roadway, temporarily placing a nearby elementary school on lockdown.
Deputies with the Broward Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene near North State Road 7 and Northwest 38th Street, Wednesday afternoon.
Detectives said the shooting started in front of Park Lakes Elementary School and came to an end about 10 blocks south, leaving behind stunned onlookers waiting in the median.
As a result, the campus was placed on lockdown.
According to officials, the victim may have been caught in the middle of the crossfire while heading southbound on State Road 7.
“What it appears, from the preliminary information at this point, is that occupants of a black sedan fired multiple rounds from their vehicle in this general area and then fled northbound on North State Road 7,” said BSO spokesperson Carey Codd. “An adult female had an injury consistent with being shot at.”
Paramedics transported the injured woman to Broward Health Medical Center. She is expected to be OK.
7News cameras showed paramedics wheeling the victim, who is reportedly 79 years old, into Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Back at the scene of the incident, cameras captured a blue-green Honda SUV where investigators believe the victim came under fire. Its rear windshield was shattered.
Cameras also showed a gold colored Hyundai sedan with bullet holes parked in the middle of a shopping center exit. The vehicle was cordoned off with crime scene tape.
State Road 7 was shut down in both directions between NW 44th Street and Oakland Park Boulevard for hours while detectives investigated. It has since reopened to traffic.
The shooting took place several blocks away from the Walmart where, authorities said, off-duty Walmart employee fatally shot a customer, Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s getting ridiculous, it’s getting out of hand. Really, it’s getting out of hand,” said bystander Ted Richardson.
“I hate stuff like this happening to the community,” said bystander Omar Florence, “but I was born and raised here, my parents live right down the street, and with the schools in the area, it’s unfortunate that it happened this way.”
“That’s all I can say, is be safe and stay home,” said an onlooker.
Authorities continue their search for the black car involved in the shooting.
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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