Hollywood, Florida: A shooting incident near the beach boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida has prompted an immediate response from local police.
Nine people were taken to area hospitals with gunshot wounds Monday afternoon, a City of Hollywood spokeswoman confirmed.
The incident happened in the 1200 block of N Broadwalk near the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. Worryingly, at least three of the victims are reported to be minors.
Around 6:41 p.m., a live camera nearby captured the chaotic scene as people fled the area in panic.
According to Hollywood officials, the shooting started as an altercation between two groups that quickly turned into gunfire.
Law enforcement authorities have arrested a person of interest and are actively searching for another person. Some of the injured were transported to Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for medical treatment.
Aerial footage from Helicopter 4 revealed a significant presence of police cruisers, unmarked vehicles, a crime scene van, and several fire rescue trucks at the scene. Authorities have closed at least one road and set up a large perimeter for investigative purposes.
In light of the ongoing investigation, Hollywood police are urging people to avoid the area of Hollywood Beach stretching from Johnson to Garfield Streets, including the famous Hollywood Beach Broadwalk.
To help victims reunite, police have set up a designated area at Johnson St. and the N. Ocean Bus Loop.
“Thank you for the quick response of the good Samaritans, paramedics, police and emergency room doctors and nurses to help the victims of today’s shooting,” said Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy.
Located approximately 11 miles (17 km) south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles (32 km) north of Miami, Hollywood Beach serves as a popular destination for beachgoers looking for fun and relaxation. .
