LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. – Three shootings in three days in Lauderdale Lakes wounded three people — including a 41-year-old father who later died. In response, city officials are holding a town hall on Wednesday.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies will meet with city officials for a news conference at 10 a.m., on Wednesday at Lauderdale Lakes City Hall, at 4300 NW 36 St., according to Martha Mercier, a spokeswoman for the city.
Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips released a statement before the news conference saying residents have “many concerns and emotions,” so she is ready to answer questions.
The May 2-4 shootings also injured a woman and a man, according to deputies.
The shooting on May 2, was inside the Walmart, at 3001 N. State Road 7. Thierry Bastien, 41, a father, died. He was shopping when he intervened in a dispute between two Walmart employees, witnesses said.
Tironie Shavar Sterlin, 22, stands accused of beating up a woman who was a co-worker and killing Bastien when he walked away from shopping with his wife and baby and turned to help a stranger.
Related story: Listen to 911 call on Walmart shooting
The street shooting on May 3 was on N. State Road 7 near Northwest 34 Street. Detectives recently released surveillance video in the case that shows a black sedan fleeing after the shooting injured a woman.
The third shooting on May 4 was outside of a RaceTrac gas station at Northwest 33 Avenue and West Oakland Park Boulevard. A man who was injured drove to a fire station in Lauderhill, according to deputies.
“We are currently working on some very promising leads, and we are hoping to come to a resolution to that incident within the upcoming weeks,” said BSO Cpt. Warnell Phillips.
City leaders are hoping that an increase in police presence in Lauderdale Lakes will help reduce crime.
“The city of Lauderdale Lakes is making sure that you can continue on with your daily routine without living in fear,” said Phillips.
To do that, the city has also approved the funds for two more BSO officers specialized in mental health assistance.
“We’ve actually increased our patrols in the proper areas, Walmart, to make sure the community feels safe,” said Phillips.
BSO detectives also told Local 10 News about that shooting outside of the RaceTrac Gas Station.
Deputies later arrested 36-year-old Willie Walker, the man suffering from gunshot wounds after they determined that he was the aggressor.
Authorities said Walker remains hospitalized due to those injuries.
City leaders are encouraging residents to communicate their concerns about safety by using BSO’s non-emergency line at 954-764-HELP.
Detectives were also asking anyone with information about the cases to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
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Archives: Report on May 4 shooting
Archives: Report on May 3 shooting
Archives: Report on May 2 shooting
This is a developing story. Local 10 News Assignment Desk Editor Frine Gomez contributed to this report.