Florida Police Search for 3 Gunmen Who Wounded 9 at Crowded Beach on Memorial Day
Introduction
Police in Hollywood, Florida, have launched a search for three suspects believed to be the gunmen responsible for a shooting incident that occurred on Memorial Day. The incident took place along a crowded beachside promenade and resulted in the injury of a 1-year-old and eight other individuals. The suspects fled the scene during the chaos, prompting the police to seek the public’s help in identifying them.
The Arrests and Recovered Weapons
Amid the investigation, two individuals involved in the altercation that led to the shooting have been apprehended. Morgan Deslouches and Keshawn Stewart, both 18 years old, have been arrested on firearms charges. The police have managed to recover a total of five handguns, one of which was reported stolen in the Miami area, and another in Texas.
The Events Leading to the Shooting
According to police and witnesses, the shooting began when a group of people started fighting in front of a busy stretch of shops on the Hollywood Oceanfront Broadwalk at around 7 p.m. on Memorial Day. Witness Alvie Carlton Scott III described hearing gunshots and quickly seeking cover behind a tree before fleeing on foot as instructed by a police officer. Another witness, Jamie Ward, stated that the shooting started when one of the individuals involved in the fight pulled out a gun and began firing.
Police Investigation and Arrest Reports
One witness informed the police that she recognized a group of young men in the area later that day, who she believed to be involved in the shooting. An arrest report revealed that when an officer approached the group, he noticed one of the men, later identified as Deslouches, attempting to hide a black backpack. The officer ordered him to sit down and then confiscated the bag. Inside the backpack, the officer discovered a loaded 9mm handgun containing seven rounds.
Meanwhile, a detective transporting witnesses for interviews spotted Keshawn Stewart walking down a street, as described in an arrest report. A witness had previously taken photos and videos of Stewart and one of the shooting suspects. The witness informed the police that the shooting suspect had given Stewart a gun. Upon stopping and searching Stewart, the detective found a fully loaded 9mm handgun in his backpack.
The Impact on the Holiday Weekend
The shooting incident disrupted the holiday weekend festivities at the popular beach destination, where a heavy police presence was already in place to oversee the large crowds. Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy expressed his deep sadness and anger at the shooting, emphasizing the reckless disregard for public safety displayed by those involved. Levy stated that the immediate response by dozens of officers resulted in multiple detentions.
Injured Victims and Hospitalizations
The shooting left four children aged between 1 and 17, as well as five adults aged between 25 and 65, injured. Six of the victims remain hospitalized in stable condition, while three have been released after receiving medical treatment. The names of the wounded have not been disclosed.
Location and Incident Details
Hollywood Beach, located approximately 11 miles south of Fort Lauderdale and 20 miles north of Miami, is a popular beach destination. The beach was expected to attract more visitors than usual due to the Memorial Day holiday. Videos posted on Twitter depicted emergency medical crews responding to the scene and providing aid to multiple injured individuals.
Charges and Bail
Morgan Deslouches is facing charges of grand theft of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm, and removing serial numbers from a firearm. He is currently being held on $20,000 bail. Keshawn Stewart, on the other hand, has been charged with carrying a concealed firearm and is being held on $15,000 bail. Attorneys for Deslouches and Stewart have not been listed in jail records.
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