TERRIFYING footage shows beachgoers running for their lives after nine people, including a one-year-old, were struck in a barrage of gunfire, police said.
A shooting broke out during crowded Memorial Day celebrations in Hollywood Beach, Florida, after two groups got into an argument that turned violent.
Youtube/City of HollywoodLive footage shows the moment that terrified bystanders fled for their lives after nine people were shot on the Hollywood Beach boardwalk[/caption]
APFlorida officials are urging people to stay away from the scene as they search for a person of interest[/caption]
Reuters/Hollywood Beach TVA one-year-old was among the nine who were hospitalized with wounds related to the shooting[/caption]
Police confirmed that four of the victims are seventeen and under while the other five are adults.
One is in surgery and the rest of the victims are in stable condition.
Authorities are urging bystanders to stay away from the scene as they launch a desperate manhunt for a person of interest after one suspect was already arrested.
Just before 7pm local time, terrified bystanders could be seen sprinting away from a popular restaurant in live camera footage obtained by The U.S. Sun.
One woman protected a small girl with her body after she stumbled in front of the mass of people rushing away from the danger.
Horrified witnesses shared videos of the chaotic aftermath on social media that appeared to show one victim being treated while they lay motionless in the sand.
Officials have shut down at least one road and set up a large perimeter as they work to investigate the scene, local reporters said.
Police are urging people to stay away from Hollywood Beach, specifically the boardwalk and the area from Johnson to Garfield Street.
“Our beach has millions of beachgoers a year. It’s a very popular and beautiful destination,” said Mayor Josh Levy, per the South Florida Sun Sentinal.
“This is a never before occurrence. Ordinarily it’s a peaceful beach.”
Police have set up a reunification center at Johnson Street and the North Ocean bus loop.
The beach is located about 11 miles south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles north of Miami.
CBSOne suspect has been taken into custody following the shooting[/caption]
Youtube/City of HollywoodThe victims have all been transferred to local hospitals where their condition is unclear[/caption]
APPolice have roped off a large area as they continue to investigate the gunfire[/caption]
EPAPolice investigate the incident that rocked the city that was overrun with tourists for Memorial Day weekend[/caption]
Spread the love & Comment on Social Media !