HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - An investigation is underway after, Hollywood Police said, two officers were forced to fire their guns during a confrontation with a man.
The shooting happened at a home near North 72nd Avenue and Cleveland Street. According to officials, it all started with a domestic disturbance call that came in around 3:15 a.m., Wednesday.
“The caller, which wounded up being our suspect, advised he shot to death his wife,” said Hollywood Police Chief Thomas Sanchez. “When officers responded, the subject had barricaded himself inside.”
Officials said the man who called dispatchers threatened to hurt any cops who tried to interfere. “He told communications that he was armed with a handgun, and he would shoot any officers that arrived on scene,” Sanchez said.
Despite threats, officers and SWAT team members surrounded the house. “It was going to be a classic attempted suicide by cop,” said Jeff Marano with the Broward County Police Benevolent Association.
Upon their arrival, investigators found a deceased woman and began searching for the perpetrator. “Officers obviously approached tactfully, set up a perimeter and were gonna approach the scene, and then they did see what they thought was the subject walking down the sidewalk,” said Marano. “From what we understand, there was an engagement between the officers and the individual, and that resulted in the individual being shot.”
Sanchez told 7News what happened after the suspect exited the house. “Eventually, he came out acting erratically,” he said. “Confrontation ensued at which time he was shot.”
The subject, whose identity has not yet been released, was shot at by two officers. He was then transported to Memorial Regional Hospital. He was last listed in stable condition.
It is unknown how the man’s wife died. “Officers went into the residence and found a body of a deceased female,” Sanchez said.
“Gunshots at 3:30 in the morning,” said Rodger Jodra, who lives nearby. “It was boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, pause, then boom, boom. So, I know gunshots. That’s somebody shooting on purpose.”
Officials could not confirm how many shots were fired. The chief also said there was a fire inside of the home.
Those who know the couple could be seen crying and screaming in agony after hearing the news. “Why, why, why God? Why, why?” said one woman sobbing. “Oh, Jesus Christ!”
The officers involved are said to be OK.
Homicide investigators are now on the scene.
Stay tuned to WSVN 7News and wsvn.com for updates on this developing story.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.