Fort Lauderdale police on Friday released photos of a man they say is a possible suspect in an aggravated battery case tied to a Fourth of July shooting near the beach. Around 11:30 p.m., a victim standing on a sidewalk near Seabreeze and Las Olas boulevards was shot in the thigh and taken to Broward Health Medical Center with injuries described as non-life-threatening. According to investigators, the victim did not know where the bullet came from and did not appear to be the intended target, and detectives are still working to identify the man shown in the photos.
As reported by WPLG Local 10, the images were released Friday and credited to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The station notes that the department's Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation and that no arrests have been announced. WPLG Local 10 also reports that Detective Tiffany Washington is listed as a point of contact for the case.
Las Olas Area Packed During Fourth Of July Festivities
The Seabreeze and Las Olas corridor sits inside the footprint of the city's official Fourth of July programming, an area that typically draws heavy crowds for fireworks and beachside activities. The City of Fort Lauderdale's event page outlines road closures and public happenings on Las Olas Oceanside Park and Fort Lauderdale Beach during the July 4th Spectacular, which means there could be plenty of potential witnesses and cellphone footage for detectives to review. Investigators say they are continuing to work community tips as they try to put a name to the face in the released photos.
How To Help Investigators
Anyone who recognizes the individual in the images or has information about the shooting is asked to contact Detective Tiffany Washington at 954-828-6617. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477). Broward Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Police emphasize that the case remains an active investigation and that no arrests have been reported.
