Overnight shooting in Fort Lauderdale sends man to hospital, police say
A man is recovering after Fort Lauderdale Police say he was shot overnight.
The department said the shooting was reported around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest 2nd Street. Police said officers were breaking up a fight when they heard a gunshot, then detained multiple people.
One firearm was recovered, per the department, and initially, there were no victims or injuries from the scene. However, police said a man later arrived at Plantation General Hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
The department noted that so far, the victim has declined to cooperate with law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing.
One neighbor, Bruce Forbes, told CBS News Miami that he avoids this area once the sun goes down.
"People aren't even scared of the police anymore," he said. "It's definitely gone downhill. It used to be a place to hang out and stuff, it would be fine. But it's definitely gotten a little sketchy at night."
This is the second early Sunday morning shooting to happen in this area in the last nine months. Just before New Year's Eve last year, five people were injured in a shooting. City officials said there would be an increased police presence after that incident.
"These guys are crazy nowadays, dude," neighbor Orlando Perez said.
Perez says he waits until the bar crowds are long gone before he walks his dogs here. He says the city should be open to other solutions to these shootings.
"That's why the residents want this place closed at 2, not at 4," Perez said.
CBS News Miami reached out to the city, and they provided the following statement:
"The City has made a concerted effort to enhance public safety in the Himmarshee Entertainment District. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has increased its presence and patrols in the area, and the City has strengthened regulations related to alcohol sales.
Because of that effort, officers were already on scene when a shot was fired and responded immediately.
The safety of our residents and visitors remains our top priority. We will continue to evaluate conditions in the district and take appropriate steps to maintain a safe environment for everyone who lives, works, and visits the area."