Fort Lauderdale Police are intensifying their efforts to locate three individuals linked to a rooftop shooting in Las Olas parking garage on June 22 that left three teenagers injured. Through the release of new surveillance footage, 911 calls, and still images, authorities seek further leads pointing toward the assailants believed to be at the core of the violence.
At around 1:30 a.m., the shooting disrupted what was described by Celeste Thompson as a celebration for her son Richard, 19, and his friends, following a day at the beach. According to a WSVN report, the group was hanging out on the parking structure's top floor, listening to music and dancing by their cars when the incident happened. Celeste described her son, “He’s an awesome kid. He wants everyone to be happy when he’s there, he’s a ‘yes, ma’am, no ma’am, open the door’ type of child.”
During the attack, three suspects, two masked and one in a white tank top, approached the group and fired shots. A chaotic scene ensued with panicked attendees frantically escaping in their vehicles. A 911 caller described hearing a series of gunshots, estimating between 10 to 15 in total, accompanied by the sounds of multiple women screaming and a car engine running from a distance. These alarming sounds were recorded in an audio file submitted to authorities.
Richard Thompson sustained severe injuries, necessitating multiple surgeries, and is presently recovering at home. "The bullet hit every organ inside of his body, every organ," Celeste said in a statement obtained by WSVN. As the family grapples with the aftermath, Celeste implores the community for information, "It may be me this month, but it may be you next month. Stop hiding these children, please." Contributions for Richard's recovery can be made through the family's GoFundMe page.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) has also made a public appeal on social media, sharing a video and requesting assistance in identifying the suspects. The Instagram post details the suspects initially hanging out at the garage before one is seen carrying a gun as they return to their black sedan, which has since been recovered. FLPD urges anyone with information to come forward and help bring the suspects to justice.
For those with any knowledge pertaining to the crime, contact information for Broward County Crime Stoppers is 954-493-TIPS. There's the possibility of a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest, and tipsters can remain anonymous.
