Security guard shot in attempted murder-suicide, police say

Victim, suspect taken to Broward Health Medical Center in critical condition

LAUDERHILL, Fla. – A security guard was shot Sunday at a Lauderhill apartment complex in what appears to be an attempted murder-suicide, police said.

Officers found longtime security guard Emilce R. Salazar-Pupo on the ground outside the Royal Palm Apartments at 2900 NW 56th Ave. with a gunshot wound to the head.

Recommended Videos



Another man was nearby, also with a gunshot wound to the head and a handgun next to him, Lauderhill police spokesman Maj. Rick Rocco said.

Both men were taken to Broward Health Medical Center, where they are is listed in critical condition.

Detectives said a preliminary investigation shows that Salazar-Pupo was making his rounds in the apartment complex when he made came across the suspect.

Police said the victim asked the suspect whether he was resident or a visitor.

Rocco said a physical struggle ensued and the suspect was able to disarm Salazar-Pupo and shoot him with his own handgun.

Rocco said the man walked several feet away, sat down and shot himself in the head with the same weapon.

Detectives said a motive for the crime is unclear, but they believe that the suspect has no ties to the Royal Palm Apartment complex.

Rocco said Salazar-Pupo has worked in the Lauderhill area for several years and is well known by officers and residents.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Detective Derek Carseni at 954-497-4700 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.