At least nine people, including children, were hospitalized after an argument on Hollywood Beach Broadwalk ended in gunfire, police said.
Hollywood police said they received calls about multiple people involved in shots fired during an altercation between two groups near Johnson Street.
The nine shooting victims — including four children ages 1-17 — were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Five adults aged 25-65 have also been hospitalized.
One of the victims has undergone surgery, while the rest are in stable condition, police said.
While the police have arrested one person who is absconding, another person is said to be absconding.
Memorial Healthcare System spokeswoman Yanette Obario Sanchez told NBC6 that up to five victims are being treated at the trauma center at Memorial Regional Hospital.
“It’s a fluid situation,” Sanchez said.
There were no details on their conditions or ages, but “a couple of minors” were being treated, Sanchez said.
People are asked to avoid the area from Johnson to Garfield Streets and Hollywood Beach Broadwalk.
“Thank you to the good Samaritans, paramedics, police and emergency room doctors and nurses for their immediate response to today’s shooting victims,” Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said in a post on Facebook.
Video from a live feed of Hollywood Beach in downtown Hollywood appears to show the immediate aftermath of the shooting — where people can be seen running or taking cover as gunshots are fired.
Cellphone video from a witness shows rescuers tending to several people with injuries on the beach.
“I heard three gunshots and I could see people running outside screaming,” Marvin Michael said.
At Memorial Regional Hospital, a patient unrelated to the shooting described the chaos as paramedics brought shooting victims to the trauma center.
“There were total shocks, and we heard that from the speakers during our visit,” Cheyenne Ramos said. “It was very intense with a lot of nurses in and out of the emergency room trying to see what was going on because so many people were coming in.”
A reunification area was established at Johnson Street and the Northern Ocean Bus Loop.
Beaches in South Florida, including Broadwalk, have seen a flurry of visitors over Memorial Day weekend in recent days.
Hollywood police are asking anyone with tips or information to contact [email protected].
No further details available. Check back with NBC6 for updates.
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