West Park business owner shot at during burglary attempt
FORT LAUDERDALE - An 85-year-old West Park business owner dodged a bullet - literally - during an early morning burglary attempt.
Just after 2 a.m., Broward Sheriff's Office deputies were sent to a business near the 5900 block of W Hallandale Beach Boulevard to check out a call concerning a burglary in progress.
They were called by Julie Barry, who's the co-owner. While at home she got an alert from the security system. She called her co-owner, known as Mr. Barry. "We called Mr. Barry to let him know someone is inside, don't go out, stay inside," Julie explained.
At the same time, Julie called 911. Moments later she heard gunfire.
"While the dispatcher was on the phone she said 'don't get out. Stay in,' he came out and said 'get out!' And you hear pop, pop, pop," Julie said.
BSO was already on the way. They arrived just in time to hear the gunfire.
A perimeter was established while the deputies went inside. There they found the owner who said a person had broken and shot at him. The owner was not injured. "Mr. Barry's doing good. He's not afraid," said Julie. "That could have killed Mr. Barry. The guy could have, I'm glad nothing didn't happen. Nobody got hurt," she said.
A sheriff's helicopter and K9 officers were called in to assist in the search. The area was canvassed but the burglary suspect was not found.
Anyone with information that can help with the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477).
