Deputies say a routine workday at a Lake Worth Beach warehouse mechanic shop turned into a gunfight on Feb. 21, when a man walked in, opened fire on several people inside, and left one of them shot in the neck. The barrage ended only after one of the men in the shop allegedly returned fire and hit the suspected shooter in the leg.
According to CBS12, a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office arrest report states deputies responded to reports of gunfire at a mechanic shop on South J Terrace, where they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. He was treated at the scene, then transported to St. Mary's Medical Center for further care, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigators identified the alleged shooter as 47-year-old Keith Mason Jr. He was booked on charges of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
What investigators found
Detectives say the scene inside the warehouse told a clear story of a firefight. According to the arrest report on file with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, investigators recovered seven expended rifle shell casings and six live rifle cartridges, along with six expended .40-caliber casings believed to have been fired by the man who shot back.
Surveillance footage reviewed by deputies reportedly shows a black SUV pulling up, a man they say is Mason walking into the warehouse, and later limping back out to the vehicle before driving away.
Suspect wounded, now booked
CBS12 reports that Mason later arrived at St. Mary's with a gunshot wound to his leg. Deputies who contacted him at the hospital described him as intoxicated and uncooperative, according to the outlet.
He remains in custody on the attempted murder and weapons charges while detectives continue to piece together what led up to the gunfire.
Investigation ongoing
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is active and is asking anyone with information or additional surveillance footage to contact detectives. Officials have not released any information about a possible motive for the shooting.
