Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony is speaking out after two BSO patrol cars were shot at late Wednesday night on I-95. The incident occurred at 11:38 p.m. on the highway near Sheridan Street as the deputies were on their way home from a training exercise. BSO released new photos showing both cars with cracked windshields, hit by bullets, but fortunately, the deputies were not injured.
„They heard loud noises and didn’t realize their vehicles were struck by bullets,“ Tony said. The sheriff expressed his concern and stated, „This is something very alarming to me, and while it is too early to speculate whether or not this was intentional, we are going to treat this as an attempted shooting of an officer. We are going to overturn every stone to make sure we get the suspects and have them in custody.“
Tony mentioned that it is not known if this shooting was related to an earlier call for service related to a shooting on the highway. He also stated that it was unclear how many rounds were fired, and there is no description to release of any suspects. „That is the nature of the risks we take. Not everyone today knows us or loves us,“ said Tony. „Who knows what triggered this and why someone would do this to the officers? We are sending a strong message that if you are out there firing weapons recklessly or for sport, this is a criminal act, and we are going to take you to jail.“
BSO is urging anyone who may have been near the area between 11:30 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. and who may have video footage to call Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477). There is a reward of up to $5,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Rod Skirvin, the President of the Broward Police Benevolent Association, emphasized the dangers that law enforcement officers face daily when they put on the uniform and go to work. „The deputies were very lucky to be unharmed; they could have been killed, and we are very thankful they are okay,“ Skirvin said. He also added, „I think the location of where the shots were fired was a very deliberate attempt at the drivers of the cars and those who would be the deputies who are serving this county.“
In conclusion, Skirvin pleaded, „Please, please help law enforcement in Broward County locate and punish the people responsible for doing this so we can get them off the streets of Broward County.“ The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of supporting and protecting those who serve and protect our communities.