Lauderhill Guard "Critical" After Being Shot In The Head
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LAUDERHILL (CBSMiami) -Residents at a Lauderhill apartment complex are speaking out after their security guard was shot by a gunman who police say then shot himself.
Both of the men remain hospitalized at Broward Health Medical Center where they are both in critical condition. The security guard is apparently in better condition than the alleged gunman.
It started Sunday night around 7 p.m., when security guard Emilce Salazar-Pupo was working at the Royal Palm Apartments, at 2900 NW 56 Avenue. He stopped an unidentified male to ask if he was a resident or visitor to the property.
The confrontation led to a physical struggle during which the man grabbed Salazar-Pupo's gun, which was in a holster on his belt, and shot him in the head, according to police. The male then walked several feet away, sat down, and reportedly shot himself in the head using the same weapon.
Several people who heard the shots called 9-1-1.Arriving officers found Salazar-Pupo on the ground with a gunshot wound to his head. They said Salazar-Pupo was wearing a security uniform complete with ballistic vest and badge and his weapon holster was empty. He was semi-conscious and unable to tell them what had happened.
The man who police say shot Salazar-Pupo was unresponsive but had vital signs.
Jay Dee lives in the complex and started recording. He says he's good friends with the guard.
"I see him as a father figure the way I look at my dad,that's the way I look at him," said Dee.
Residents and police say the crimes gotten bad in the neighborhood
"Just make feel not secure enough," said resident Darvis Barnell.
Residents say the new owners of the complex were trying to turn things around with two armed security guards on property but now that this has happened they are saddened and scared
"I have kids here and they could have ended up getting shot," said resident Shaquara Berry.
Salazar-Pupo has worked in Lauderhill for the past several years and is well known by officers and residents.
Police have not been able to identify the injured male or determine why he was at the apartment complex but residents said they've seen the gunman in the area before. They don't think he was in his right mind when the incident happened, fearing drugs may have played a serious role. That has not been confirmed by police.
Anyone with information is urged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493 TIPS (8477).