A tense night in Lauderhill ended quietly early Wednesday when a man surrendered with his hands up after an hours-long standoff inside a unit at the Blueberry Hill community. Family members told officers he fired four rounds through a bathroom door before barricading himself, and nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. After several hours of negotiations, he finally walked out to the officers, and authorities reported no injuries.
Timeline and police response
Lauderhill officers arrived around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday after reports of a shooting inside a unit and tried to make verbal contact with the man, who refused to come out, as reported by CBS Miami. Family members told investigators he had fired four rounds through a bathroom door, which led police to evacuate the residence along with nearby homes.
The Broward Sheriff's Office SWAT team and negotiators later joined Lauderhill officers to work toward a safe resolution. Police identified the man as 27-year-old Anthony Hardwick and said he was charged with shooting within an occupied dwelling.
Charge and legal context
The man was charged with "shooting within an occupied dwelling," a crime that falls under Florida's weapons statutes. As outlined in Florida Statute 790.19, referenced by the Florida Senate, firing at or within an occupied building is classified as a felony. Under state sentencing rules, a second-degree felony is generally punishable by up to 15 years in prison, according to the Florida Legislature.
Neighbors evacuated, no injuries reported
Family members told investigators the shots pierced a bathroom door and prompted neighbors to leave their homes while officers worked the scene, per CBS Miami. Negotiators stayed in contact with the man until he agreed to surrender without incident, and authorities said there were no injuries. Officers blocked off the area while investigators processed the scene.
What's next
The Lauderhill Police Department says the investigation remains active and charges are pending in the Broward County system. Anyone with information is asked to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493‑TIPS or use the SaferWatch app, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office. This report will be updated as officials release more details.
