MIAMI (WSVN) - Rescue crews airlifted a teenage boy to the hospital after, police said, he was shot following a scuffle near Miami Norland Senior High School in Miami Gardens, leading police to take at least one person into custody.
Miami Gardens Police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the shooting near Northwest 191st Street and 10th Avenue, Tuesday afternoon.
According to police and area residents, the victim came under fire in the street, off school property.
“I drove over here, and then I turn around, and I see the guy laying on the floor,” said witness Stanley Tanis.
When asked how old he believes the victim to be, Tanis replied, “About 16, 17.”
Tuesday night, the teen’s family identified him as 16-year-old Carlton Bridges.
Cellphone video provided to 7News shows several students engaged in a physical altercation in front of the school campus preceding the shooting.
“We are being told of several fights that occurred prior to the shooting. However, those details are under investigation,” said Miami Gardens Police spokesperson Carolyn Frazier.
According to neighbors, some of the students involved in the melee attend Miami Norland Senior High.
Bridges’ family said the victim is also a Miami Norland student.
Minutes after the fight broke out, area residents said they heard gunfire.
“I hear, ‘pow, pow, pow, pow, pow,’ and I paid no attention, but I knew it was a gun,” said Alonzo Heath.
“This is very disturbing if I could tell you the truth,” said area resident Jackie Gabe-Cornelius. “I was hoping, ‘Well, I hope they’re OK.'”
Gabe-Cornelius said Bridges must have run into her backyard after he was shot.
“They send their children to school for education, not fighting for your life,” she said.
7News cameras captured marked and unmarked police vehicles from multiple agencies at the scene.
Paramedics put the victim in an ambulance and took him to the school’s athletic field.
Cameras showed first responders as they put Bridges into a rescue helicopter.
He was airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center. Initially, officials said he was listed in critical condition.
However, on Tuesday night, his aunt said he is expected to make a full recovery.
7News cameras showed loved ones in a prayer circle outside of the hospital.
Meanwhile, police said they are looking for a blue Hyundai Elantra with no tints and a missing rear bumper, as they continue to investigate.
If you have any information on this shooting, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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