Nine people have been injured after they were caught in the crossfire between two groups at a busy palm-tree lined beach in Florida.
Beachgoers were sent scrambling when gunfire rang out along near North Broadwalk at Hollywood, Florida, on Monday evening (local time).
The victims ranged in age from a one-year-old child to a 65 year-old and included included six adults and three children.
All were in a stable condition.
A preliminary investigation showed an altercation between two groups resulted in gunfire, police said.
One person was detained and another suspect was being still being sought.
The shooting happened on the pedestrian walkway near a convenience store, a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream store and a Subway sandwich shop.
Videos posted on Twitter show people running for cover, and some victims falling to the ground.
Witness Alvie Carlton Scott III said he was on the beach when all of a sudden he heard numerous gunshots go off.
He said he hid behind a tree and then fled the area after a police officer told people to run.
Jamie Ward, who was also on the broadwalk, said several young men were fighting in front of the stores when one pulled a gun and started shooting.
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Police said there would be a heavy presence of officers as the investigation continues. Officials were also setting up an area for family members to reunite.
“Thank you to the good Samaritans, paramedics, police and emergency room doctors and nurses for their immediate response to aid the victims of today’s shooting,” Hollywood mayor Josh Levy said in a statement.
Hollywood Beach is a popular beach destination about 17 kilometres south of Fort Lauderdale and 32 kilometres north of Miami. The beach was expected to see more visitors than usual for the Memorial Day holiday.
