Broward Deputies Fire Dozens of Shots During Intense Standoff in Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach, FL — A dramatic and intense confrontation unfolded on Tuesday night in Pompano Beach, culminating in a barrage of gunfire exchanged between Broward Sheriff’s deputies and a suspect, identified as 52-year-old Scott Simonelli. The incident, which took place shortly after 9:30 p.m. in the 700 block of Northwest 5th Avenue, was captured in startling surveillance video and body camera footage released by the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO).
According to Sheriff Gregory Tony, deputies were initially dispatched to a residence following reports of a man shooting a weapon at a home. Simonelli, who had a known history with law enforcement including prior Baker Act involvements and threats of violence, was reportedly armed and considered dangerous.
As deputies approached the scene, they were alerted by a colleague who had prior interactions with Simonelli. This advance warning, Tony said, played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the responding officers. “That preparation actually is what saved lives today,” Tony remarked during a news conference.
The surveillance footage reveals four deputies rushing toward the residence with their weapons drawn. One deputy experienced an issue with a light on his handgun, causing a “flickering effect” that inadvertently revealed their position. This led Simonelli to open fire with approximately 20 rounds from a semi-automatic weapon.
The video captures a chaotic scene where one deputy is heard shouting commands to Simonelli to drop his weapon, but the suspect continues to fire. A subsequent exchange of gunfire, lasting nearly 20 seconds, is visible on the footage, with two deputies firing in response. The shooting continued for an additional 30 seconds before the deputies moved out of frame, with more gunshots heard off-camera.
Sheriff Tony confirmed that no deputies were injured during the incident. Simonelli, who was struck by bullets multiple times, survived and is receiving medical treatment. Tony noted that among the deputies involved, two were recently hired by the BSO, and one was celebrating his birthday that evening. “Thank God this didn’t end in a tragic situation where we lost an officer, at any time but most certainly during his birthday period,” Tony said.
The confrontation was terrifying for local residents. One neighbor, Alexis Barofsky, described a harrowing experience as Simonelli approached her home with a flashlight and fired a shot. “We both called 911; I ran in my room with my kids, I got into bed and I put the blanket over me and my kids, and I prayed and hoped that nothing was going to happen,” she recounted. Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed distress over her child’s fear during the ordeal, highlighting the emotional impact on the community.
The incident also resulted in damage to property, with reports of a car and a home being struck by stray bullets. In response to the shooting, the two deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, a standard procedure in police shootings.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation into the incident to ensure a thorough and impartial review. This case remains under scrutiny as the community and authorities seek to understand the full scope of the confrontation and its aftermath.
