A shootout that left a Broward Sheriff’s deputy and a suspect hospitalized on Thursday began with a theft at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, authorities said.
The shootout unfolded in a Margate neighborhood and although the deputy was shot he was saved by his bulletproof vest, BSO officials said.
According to Seminole Police, the incident began Thursday morning when the suspect grabbed cash from the hand of a patron at the casino.
BSO officials said they started assisting in the search for the suspect, which led them to the encounter with the suspect in the 6100 block of Northwest 2nd Street, officials said.
The suspect shot a deputy, and multiple deputies shot at the suspect, officials said.
Authorities said the unidentified suspect, an adult male, was taken to a local hospital. His condition wasn’t released.
The deputy was also hospitalized but was save by his vest, officials said.
“Fortunately he was protected by his bulletproof vest and he did not sustain life-threatening injuries,” BSO spokesperson Miranda Grossman said. “This bulletproof vest saved our deputy’s life and that is critical because of the dangers that they put themselves in every day.”
Officials didn’t release the deputy’s identity but said he works in the North Lauderdale District and has about 10 years of service.
“We’re all lucky that the deputy can go home tonight to his family and his loved ones,” Grossman said Thursday night.
No other injuries were reported, despite the large amount of gunfire that appeared to have taken place. One home had a bullet hole in the door and window, while other homes and vehicles nearby got shot up too.
The vehicle the suspect was in was also riddled with bullets.
One bullet went through a woman’s door and lodged in a speaker as she said she was sitting on the couch.
Neighbors said they scrambled for cover as the bullets flew.
“I pulled my son down, ran upstairs to my husband, make sure everybody was OK, stayed away from the windows, it was a scary experience,” one neighbor said.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident, which is standard practice in police shootings.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
