By Ryan Yousefi
A Coral Springs man faces felony discharging a weapon in public and improperly exhibiting a firearm in public charges after an alcohol-fueled Christmas Day incident that had a neighborhood on edge.
The Coral Springs Police Department responded to a Christmas morning call reporting that an individual, later identified as Scott Alexander Rich, 48, of Coral Springs, was walking the streets of Kensington flashing a firearm and that following the encounter, gunshots had been heard by multiple people on the scene.
The report indicates the episode occurred near Paul’s residence and eventual place of arrest, near the 4900 block of Northwest 110th Way.
According to one witness’s statement to police, Rich walked toward an older woman and claimed that he could teach her 17-month-old grandchild how to use the firearm.
The witness also reported that Rich appeared to be intoxicated, which further alarmed those witnessing his erratic behavior and who heard the gunshots before police arrived.
Witnesses told officers that Rich walked away from neighbors with the firearm still in his possession and that subsequent gunshots were heard, prompting additional fears there had been a shooting.
The caller, who is familiar with Rich, emphasized to the police that Rich had a history of alcohol-related issues and erratic behavior.
Upon arrival at the scene, CSPD observed Rich entering an open garage door and subsequently discharging multiple rounds from the firearm in an unknown direction. Officers promptly commanded Rich to surrender the weapon, but he failed to comply.
After several requests, Rich eventually dropped the firearm but continued to defy officers’ orders.
Law enforcement successfully apprehended Rich, who, according to reports, displayed signs of intoxication consistent with the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Following his arrest, Rich continued to exhibit incoherent behavior and admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages.
Rich was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail.
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Author Profile
- Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiple outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.
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