The Broward Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a concerning incident that occurred on Wednesday night on Interstate 95. Two patrol vehicles were shot at while deputies were driving on the highway near Sheridan Street. The deputies had just finished their training for the day when they felt something hit their marked patrol units at around 11:38 p.m. Thankfully, neither of the deputies was injured by the gunfire, but the incident has raised serious concerns within the department.
Authorities have shared that the deputies each saw a single gunshot to the front windshield of their vehicles. Pictures released by the Broward Sheriff’s Office show the impact of the suspected bullet, revealing where it cracked and shattered some glass. The fact that two separate patrol vehicles were targeted independently has led Sheriff Gregory Tony to consider the possibility of an intentional effort to harm law enforcement officers.
Sheriff Tony emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “My gut instinct here..two law enforcement vehicles being struck independently by bullets, that’s quite the accident to take place, and this is why we are going to take this as an investigative arm as if someone were trying to kill our law enforcement officers.” The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the deputies were specifically targeted or if the incident is connected to another shooting.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information or video footage from along the Hollywood/Dania Beach corridor of I-95 between 11:30 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday night to come forward. Detective Jennifer Petrofsky can be reached at 954-321-4238, or tips can be submitted through the SaferWatch App. Additionally, individuals can provide information anonymously by contacting Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), online at browardcrimestoppers.org, or by dialing **TIPS (8477).
As of now, no other drivers have reported their vehicles being shot at during the same time frame. The Broward Sheriff’s Office is treating this incident with the utmost seriousness and is dedicated to identifying and apprehending the individual responsible for endangering the lives of law enforcement officers. The safety and well-being of deputies and the community are top priorities for the department, and every effort is being made to ensure that those responsible for this reckless act are brought to justice.