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Children in car when man opens fire on woman in Belle Glade: PBSO

Children in car when man opens fire on woman in Belle Glade: PBSO

A Belle Glade man is charged with attempted first-degree murder after deputies say he shot into a car containing a woman and her children.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) reported that on October 26, the victim – while driving with her children – was pursued by a man known to her as “Pappo” – later identified as Hardwick Dennard. The victim told investigators that Dennard pulled up next to her car on State Route 715 and asked the woman if anyone was with her and asked, “Where is it?”

The woman replied, “There is no —— here, only my children.” PBSO says the woman drove away in an attempt to get away from Dennard, but noticed he was following her.

The arrest report states that the confrontation escalated when Dennard allegedly fired shots into the woman’s car on State Route 715. The victim, fearing for his life and the lives of his children, immediately called 911 and drove to a nearby PBSO substation, where he met with deputies .

See also: WPB teenager accused of shooting man during robbery at Home Depot parking lot

The sheriff’s office said the victim was able to identify Dennard’s Kia K5 because she had seen it at his home the day before while she was grooming his girlfriend. The victim presented key evidence, including Ring doorbell footage that positively identified Dennard.

Following the investigation, detectives found four .40 caliber shell casings at the scene and met with another victim who witnessed the shooting. The second victim told detectives he saw the driver of a black sedan – Dennard’s Kia – point a firearm out the window and begin shooting at the other car. One of the bullets fired hit the windshield of the second victim’s car.

The PBSO report also indicated that Dennard has a criminal history, including a conviction in Lee County for armed robbery.

Detectives said there was sufficient cause to arrest the 28-year-old on the following grounds:

  • Attempted first-degree murder with a firearm
  • Weapon crime: Throwing a rocket into a dwelling, vehicle, building or plane
  • Shooting a weapon from a vehicle
  • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
  • Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

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