FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A man has died and a Fort Lauderdale police officer has been hospitalized after being shot, authorities say.
The incident happened around 7:41 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot of Maguires Hill 16 restaurant at 535 N. Andrews Ave.
"It's an ongoing investigation," said Detective DeAnna Greenlaw. "We have one individual who is deceased. We have one officer who was struck by gunfire who is at a local hospital."
Sources tell Local 10 News the officer is Detective Mark Shotwell, a veteran detective of the force with more than 20 years in the department. Shotwell is listed in critical but stable condition at Broward Health. He underwent surgery Thursday night and his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.
Early Friday, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler told Local 10 News he was keeping the officer in his thoughts and prayers. "He's an outstanding officer, a tremendous career with the city of Fort Lauderdale and a guy that has served this city well," he said. "My gut reaction was my stomach sank. You never want to hear that one of our officers has been shot."
Seiler went on to say he believes as the details come out about this story, the public will learn the officer had "really stepped up for the community."
The other man was pronounced dead at the scene by Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. He has not been identified.
The Broward Sheriff's Office has taken over the investigation. FLPD requested BSO's assistance since the incident involved one of its own officers.
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"This is a difficult moment for us. This is a difficult moment for investigators," said Cpt. Frank Sousa. "There is a reason why (the Broward Sheriff's Office) is coming to take over this because it involves one of our own."
According to the sheriff, a fight began between a man and a woman who pulled into the parking lot. At some point there was some sort of gunfire exchanged between the man and officer after the woman got out of the car.
More than 40 patrons remained inside the business while BSO crime scene and homicide detectives collected evidence from the parking lot. Deputies said it will be a lengthy investigation.
Watch Local 10 News and refresh Local10.com for updates on this story.