Officer-Involved Shooting at Lauderhill Apartment Complex
LAUDERHILL, FLA. (WSVN) – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday afternoon along the 4000 block of Northwest 16th Street in Lauderhill.
The Incident
According to reports, an officer responded to the scene to investigate a call from a woman claiming that she was being attacked. When the officer arrived, he knocked on the front door of the woman’s apartment, but no one answered. The caller’s call had dropped before she could provide more details.
As the officer turned to leave, he allegedly saw a woman, identified as 28-year-old Monique Scott, emerging from her apartment with a knife. The officer warned Scott to drop the weapon, but she refused, advancing towards him.
The officer discharged his firearm twice, hitting Scott, who fell on a patch of grass. Paramedics were called to the scene, and Scott was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Victim’s Husband Reacts
Scott’s husband, M.D. Elius Howlader, was at work at the time of the shooting and has spoken out about his wife’s death. "I hear that she called 911. Police came, and right here, on the hand, with the knife, and police shoot two times," Howlader said, visibly shaken. "How do the people kill her like that? If you could, shoot her on the foot, it’s okay. I don’t know the law."
Bodycam Footage Released
The Lauderhill Police Department released bodycam footage of the incident, showing the officer shouting at Scott to put down the knife and firing his weapon as she advanced towards him. "Put it down, ma’am. Put it down now!" the officer can be heard saying in the video.
The Officer’s Account
In a statement, Lauderhill Police Lt. Antonio Gonzalez explained the officer’s actions: "Anytime an officer is confronted and can justifiably determine that his life or others are in imminent danger, then he’s authorized to use deadly force, and that is what occurred today."
FDLE Investigation
The FDLE is leading the investigation into the shooting, with the Lauderhill Police Department cooperating.
Conclusion
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that police officers face on a daily basis. While it is essential to investigate these incidents to ensure accountability and transparency, it is equally crucial to acknowledge the pain and loss that families, like Howlader, endure when their loved ones are involved in officer-involved shootings.
FAQs
Q: Who was involved in the incident?
A: The 28-year-old woman, Monique Scott, who was carrying a knife and was shot by the police officer. The officer has not been named.
Q: Why did the police officer fire his weapon?
A: According to reports, the officer fired after Scott refused to drop her knife and continued to advance towards him.
Q: Has the FDLE investigation been completed?
A: No, the investigation is ongoing.
