Hallandale Beach, Florida — An 11-year-old girl remains hospitalized after she was struck in the head by gunfire while sitting inside a vehicle with her family outside a McDonald’s, according to investigators who say the shots were fired by an employee involved in a confrontation in the restaurant’s parking lot.
The incident unfolded Saturday afternoon and left both the young girl and her father injured while they waited for a family member to pick up their food.
Police have since arrested an 18-year-old McDonald’s employee, who now faces multiple felony charges.
Family Caught in Gunfire While Waiting for Food
According to the Hallandale Beach Police Department, officers responded to the McDonald’s located at 835 W. Hallandale Beach Boulevard after receiving a ShotSpotter alert reporting gunfire.
When officers arrived, they found an 11-year-old girl and her father suffering from gunshot wounds inside their vehicle.
Investigators said the father was struck in the right hip, while the girl suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
Doctors determined that the bullet entered the girl’s forehead and became lodged near the back of her head. According to investigators, medical staff advised that removing the bullet would pose a significant risk to her health.
Police also confirmed that two additional children, ages 5 and 2, were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting but were not physically injured.
Investigation Points to McDonald’s Employee
During the investigation, detectives interviewed employees and reviewed surveillance footage from the restaurant. Police identified the suspect as Ralph N-Kosi Blue III, 18, who was employed at the McDonald’s.
According to the arrest report, surveillance video allegedly shows Blue walking through the parking lot while repeatedly looking behind him. Investigators said another individual then exited a parked vehicle and ran toward Blue.
Authorities allege that Blue pulled out a firearm and fired multiple shots as the other individual sought cover behind a nearby vehicle.
Police said the gunfire struck the family’s vehicle, injuring the father and his daughter, who were not involved in the confrontation. The individual who allegedly approached Blue fled the area, and police have not publicly released additional information about that person.
Suspect Faces Multiple Felony Charges
Following the investigation, officers arrested Blue. According to Broward County Jail records, he has been charged with:
- Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
- Two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill
During a court appearance Monday, a judge denied bond. The criminal investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
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McDonald’s Responds to Shooting
Following the incident, the local McDonald’s owner issued a statement expressing sympathy for the injured family.
“We are devastated by the shooting that occurred outside our restaurant this past weekend. Our thoughts are with the father and young daughter who were injured, as well as their family during this difficult time.”
The company also confirmed that the employee accused in the shooting is no longer employed.
“The individual reported to be involved is no longer employed at our organization. We will continue to support the Hallandale Beach Police Department, including providing surveillance footage and any assistance needed for their investigation.”
As investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the family remains focused on the recovery of the injured father and his 11-year-old daughter.
What are your thoughts on public safety in busy commercial areas? Do you think additional security measures could help prevent incidents like this? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
