HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – An 18-year-old former fast-food worker has been arrested after an innocent family was caught in the crossfire of a targeted shooting outside a local McDonald’s.
The Incident
The shooting occurred at approximately 1:35 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, in the parking lot of the McDonald’s located at 835 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd.
According to the Hallandale Beach Police Department (HBPD), Ralph N-Kosi Blue III, 18, was walking into the restaurant when an unidentified individual exited a parked car and began running toward him. Blue allegedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire as the individual ran for cover behind a family’s parked SUV.
Innocent Bystanders Wounded
A father and his 11-year-old daughter, who had no connection to either man, were struck by bullets while sitting inside their vehicle. Two other children inside the SUV, ages 2 and 5, miraculously escaped injury.
Nearby witness Oscar Odero reported hearing immediate screaming as the commotion broke out. Another witness, Carlos, recalled hearing two rapid gunshots before police swarmed the scene.
Victim Status and Arrest
As of Monday, June 29:
- The father has been treated and released from a local hospital.
- The 11-year-old daughter remains hospitalized in stable condition.
- Both are expected to survive their injuries.
Blue, who is no longer employed at the McDonald’s location, fled the scene but was later apprehended. He is currently being held at the Broward County Jail without bond.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Police have charged Blue with two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated assault.
Investigators determined that the targeted dispute originated outside the City of Hallandale Beach before ending violently in the restaurant’s parking lot. Authorities are still working to identify the second individual involved in the altercation.
