Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Injured in Shootout at Holiday Inn Express

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
21/03/2024 19h25

A Fort Lauderdale Police officer was injured and a suspect was killed during a shootout at a Holiday Inn Express on Thursday morning. The incident took place around 7:30 a.m. in the area of Southeast 17th Street and Southeast 15th Avenue.

According to sources, the injured officer is currently in stable condition. Police have confirmed that the officer suffered non-life threatening injuries. The suspect's identity has not been released, but officials have stated that he is a local resident.

Footage from Chopper 6 revealed a significant police presence at the scene, with officers swarming the hotel. An armored police truck was also seen parked outside, and an officer was observed sitting in the back of an ambulance nearby.

Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bill Schultz addressed the media in a news conference, explaining that officers had responded to the hotel after receiving a call from an individual claiming to have killed someone inside a hotel room. Upon entering the room, the suspect opened fire on the officers, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

The suspect then barricaded himself inside the room, prompting the arrival of SWAT officers. After entering the room, they discovered the suspect deceased. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown at this time.

The injured officer was transported to Broward Health Medical Center, where numerous fellow law enforcement officers gathered to show their support. Another officer at the scene sustained minor injuries and received treatment on-site.

Following department protocol, the three officers involved in the shootout will be placed on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will also be investigating the incident, as is standard practice in such cases.

As a result of the incident, roadways in the vicinity were temporarily closed and traffic was diverted. However, authorities are working diligently to reopen the roads as soon as possible.

This is an ongoing investigation, and further updates will be provided by NBC6.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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