A routine Tuesday morning walk turned violent for a Fort Lauderdale mother and her 12-year-old son, who were attacked from behind with a blunt object and left with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. Both were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
What police say
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department said officers were called around 7:30 a.m. to the 1000 block of Northwest Fifth Avenue. Detective Kerri Hagerty told Local 10 that an unknown person came up behind the pair and struck them with a "blunt object." Hagerty said the woman suffered a cut to the back of her head, while the boy had an abrasion to his face. Both were taken to Broward Health Medical Center and their injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Investigation and tips
Police say the attacker ran off before officers arrived and detectives have opened an investigation into the assault. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
Victims treated at Broward Health
The mother and son were transported to Broward Health Medical Center for evaluation and care. The hospital at 1600 S. Andrews Avenue is a major emergency and trauma facility in Fort Lauderdale, according to Broward Health Medical Center.
Local context
The attack comes on the heels of other violent incidents reported in the city this month; an apartment hallway assault in mid-June left a mother and children injured. Detectives say they are canvassing the 1000 block of Northwest Fifth Avenue and are urging neighbors to review any door-cam or dashcam footage that could help identify the suspect.
