A father and his 11-year-old daughter were injured after gunfire erupted in the parking lot of a McDonald’s in Hallandale Beach during what police say was a targeted incident unrelated to the family.

According to the Hallandale Beach Police Department, 18-year-old Ralph N-Kosi Blue III was arrested in connection with the June 27 shooting, which occurred at around 1:35 p.m.

Investigators said the father and his children were waiting inside their vehicle in the McDonald’s parking lot when they were caught in the crossfire. Police described the family as innocent bystanders.

In addition to the father and his injured 11-year-old daughter, two other children, ages 2 and 5, were also inside the vehicle at the time. The younger children were not physically injured.

Authorities said the father was treated at a hospital and later released, while his daughter remained hospitalized in stable condition.

Police determined that the shooting stemmed from a dispute that began outside Hallandale Beach and continued into the restaurant’s parking lot.

According to investigators, surveillance video shows Blue, who was employed at the McDonald’s at the time, walking toward the restaurant before noticing another individual approaching him. Police allege that Blue then drew a firearm and exchanged gunfire with the other person, who took cover behind the family’s vehicle. The family was struck as bullets hit the SUV before both individuals fled in opposite directions.

Witnesses near the scene reported hearing gunsH๏τs and screams before officers quickly responded to the area.

Blue has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated ᴀssault. Police have not identified the injured family or the second person involved in the exchange of gunfire.

Authorities said the investigation remains active. According to local reports, Blue is no longer employed by the McDonald’s and is being held in the Broward County Jail without bond. It was not immediately known whether he has obtained legal representation.

Source: People