Hollywood Beach shooting leaves 9 victims hurt and a suspect on the run

A person of interest was arrested in connection with a shooting at a Florida beach boardwalk Monday evening that left nine people with injuries that required hospitalization, authorities said.

It proved to be one of many incidents of gun violence over the holiday weekend. As a result, at least 16 people have died across the country thus far, with dozens injured.

An additional person of interest is sought in connection with the shooting, Hollywood Beach police spokeswoman Deanna Bettineschi told reporters.

The outstanding person is described as a male with dreadlocks, a black short-sleeved shirt and camouflage shorts.

Online cameras in the Hollywood Beach boardwalk area show a frantic scene in which people are running as the sound of gunfire is heard.

Officers at around 6:42 p.m. responded to Johnson Street on the report of the shooting, Bettineschi said.

“Officers immediately began rendering aid, and then the nine victims were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Hospital,” Bettineschi said.

An altercation between two groups is believed to be what precipitated the shooting.

“Police are responding right now. We have victims treated by police and paramedics on scene and transported to the hospital,” said Mayor Josh Levy, The Sun Sentinel reported.

“It seemed like people might have gotten caught in the crossfire. But I can’t verify that,” Levy said.

No additional information was available by Monday night.