Gun violence hits home: Shots fired in Cooper City neighborhood during Super Bowl Sunday

BY ISABELLA MARCON

Nearly two years after the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, gun violence disturbed the peace and safety of the Cooper City community. 

This time, the shooting occurred during a Super Bowl party on February 2 that was being held near SW 91 Terrace and SW 52 Court. It was a block party and certain parts of the streets were barricaded to restrict traffic in the residential neighborhood. There are conflicting accounts on what happened, and an investigation is still ongoing, according to a statement provided to Local 10 News.

“Investigators have not released any details. This investigation remains open,” a Broward Sheriff’s Office representative said.

According to the victim, Simeon Brown, he was driving to his girlfriend’s house with his brother when they encountered the block party. Instead of choosing an alternative route, Brown drove around the barricades, which allegedly angered the party-goers. An argument ensued when one of the party-goers announced that he had a firearm. 

“My brother tapped me and said ‘Go because I see a gun,’” Brown said. “I turned around because I didn’t want to hit the guy.”

“A fragment went up to my neck.”

Victim Simeon Brown

The incident escalated, and ultimately someone fired into the vehicle. In an interview after the event, Brown stated that he was shot in the arm and had bullet fragments hit his neck.

“A fragment went up to my neck,” Brown said.

The shooting sent shock waves through the Cooper City community on what was otherwise a festive day. The fact that the shooting occurred in a seemingly safe residential area, about a quarter of a mile away from Pioneer Middle School and a half a mile away from Cooper City High School, shocked and frightened nearby residents. 

“When I heard the news, I was in disbelief that something like that had happened,” CCHS junior Natalie Smith said. “I was home when it happened and it was an awful experience. I was inside so I did not see anything but I did hear the gunshots and the people screaming.”

“When I heard the news, I was in disbelief that something like that had happened.”

CCHS junior Natalie Smith

Police responded to the scene and an investigation commenced. In the aftermath, the community was gripped by rumors and fear that the gunman remained at large. 

“I did fear for my safety when my neighbors told me that they were still looking for the shooter, and my family and I went inside and locked all doors to stay safe,” Smith said. 

A Facebook post by Broward County Watch followed and updated Cooper City residents of the situation, specifically regarding the investigation by the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO).

“ALERT: BSO working a shooting in the 5200 block of SW 91st Terrace in Cooper City. One subject and one suspect at large,” the account said. 

Other than the interview provided to Local 10 News, there is little else known about the events that transpired on this Super Bowl Sunday and ended with one person shot. As BSO continues its investigations, more information may be made public. 

Photo courtesy Local 10 News