A neighborhood in Pompano Beach was rocked by gunfire Thursday evening when a 10-year-old boy was shot and subsequently rushed to the hospital. The Broward Sheriff’s Office, along with Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, were quick to quickly arrive at the 1700 block of Northwest Fourth Street, shortly after 6:30 p.m., in response to the incident. The young victim, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was transported to Broward Health Medical Center, reported Local 10.
Authorities are still piecing together the details surrounding the violent event, with the Broward Sheriff's Office Violent Crime Unit taking the lead on the investigation. As deputies combed the area for evidence and witnesses, a portion of Northwest Fourth Street was cordoned off, focusing investigation efforts around two homes nestled within the community, as documented by WSVN.
The victim, identified by his mother April Lofton as Noah West, was reportedly walking his friend home after an afternoon spent playing basketball at Hunters Manor Park. It was there that the assailant, riding past on a scooter, discharged a round of buckshot, hitting the child multiple times in the leg and buttocks. "He’s doing good. Basically, the doctors assessed him. He’s doing really good; he’s in stable condition," Lofton told WSVN in an interview hours after the incident.
In the wake of the chaos, the community has rallied around the West family, expressing relief and support as Noah continues to recover. "We're just waiting for everything. They’re going to keep him overnight just to make sure none of the buckshots went to any vessels or any arteries," Lofton added, while speaking to WSVN. By the next day, the local crime scene was cleared, yet detectives remain persistent to fully investigate and procure justice for the violent act.
Those who possess any information regarding the shooting are actively urged to contact Broward County Crime Stoppers by calling 954-493-TIPS. Tipsters are assured that they can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the resolution of this case.
