MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - Several dozen gunshots rang out in the parking lot of the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex in Miami Gardens after an argument between two groups escalated in front of bystanders, but thankfully no one was hit, police said.
Miami Gardens Police units responded to the property along Northwest 199th Street after their shot spotter picked up the rounds, just after 8:30 p.m., Thursday.
Officials said a dance group that was not sponsored by the city was practicing near the park when another group arrived and got into some type of altercation with them.
At some point, police said, members of the group that arrived later opened fire.
No one was injured.
Upon further investigation, police said, the incident seemed to have stemmed from a prior argument between members of both groups that took place outside of Miami Gardens.
Initial reports stated a bullet hit a car, and shattered glass from that vehicle struck one person, but officials said that victim is OK.
7News cameras captured police officers picking up shell casings and searching for clues in the parking lot.
Police said more than three dozen rounds were fired in total.
Brandy Wells, who works with many of the teens who were at the complex as part of a youth mentor program, said the incident underscores the importance of recreational activities for local teens.
“What these kids were doing, they were dancing. That’s all they were doing, at a city park,” she said. “When there is no prevention and nothing for these children to do, this is why they have idle time to commit crimes. I mean, if we have more programs, more services for these kids, these things wouldn’t happen.”
Police said Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert III was on hand at the venue, but it’s unclear whether there was an event taking place at the time.
Officials said police officers will be present at the complex during normal hours of operation as a precaution.
Copyright 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.