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POLICE OFFICER SHOOTING

September 26, 2004

On Sunday September 26th, at approximately 1:00 AM Fort Lauderdale Police Officers William McGarry and Stevens Gelu responded to 401 Southeast 18th Court in response to a disturbance. The officers had received information that a male had been standing on the balcony yelling racial slurs. The caller advised that the male was known to own a gun, and had earlier fired 2 to 3 shots.

The resident and subject of the complaint, John Yanosik, 07/4/58 opened his door with a gun, and pointed it at Officer Gelu. Shots were fired leading to Officer McGarry being struck. Officer McGarry was eventually rescued from the balcony and transported to Broward General Medical Center. The officer is in intensive care in critical, but stable condition.

Yanosik barricaded himself in the apartment and refused to exit, prompting a SWAT Team response. After several hours of negotiation, a tactical SWAT response was initiated which led to Yanosik being taken into custody. There were no shots fired by the SWAT team during this apprehension. He was transported to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and charged with Aggravated Assault. Additional charges may be pending in this ongoing investigation.

Homicide investigators have not been able to interview Officer McGarry. In accordance with department policy, Officer Gelu has not yet been interviewed. The preliminary investigation indicates that Officer Gelu may have wounded Officer McGarry. Results of a ballistics evaluation will determine whose weapon was used. Final determination is pending the recovery of the bullet from the injured officer.

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