A weekend hangout turned violent Saturday night when a teenage boy was shot at a large gathering of juveniles in Fort Lauderdale. Police say they were called around 9:30 p.m. after reports of gunfire near Northwest 14th Way and Fifth Street. The teen, who suffered a gunshot wound to his lower body, was rushed by paramedics to Broward Health Medical Center, where officials say he is expected to survive.
Fort Lauderdale Police told reporters that someone opened fire on the gathering, and officers arrived to find the victim suffering from the lower body wound. Paramedics with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue took him to Broward Health Medical Center. As of Monday, investigators said they had no suspects, according to WSVN. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000, the station added.
Police ask for tips
Authorities are hoping someone who was at the gathering, or nearby, can help fill in the blanks. Anyone with information or video is asked to contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or submit an encrypted tip through the group's website, Broward Crime Stoppers says. Tips can be submitted anonymously and are reviewed by a nonprofit that works with local law enforcement.
Context
The shooting is the latest in a string of incidents that have left children and teens hurt across Broward County, highlighting ongoing concerns over youth violence. Local outlets have reported separate cases where younger children were hospitalized after gunfire, per CBS Miami, and a Fort Lauderdale teen's New Year's Eve shooting was covered by People, underscoring the stakes investigators face.
