Incident raises questions amid series of police-involved shootings
On the evening of January 29, 2025, a fatal shooting occurred at the Yacht Haven Park & Marina Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The incident involved an off-duty police officer and resulted in the death of 49-year-old Damian Orozco. This event has added to ongoing discussions about police-involved shootings in the area.
According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, the property’s manager alerted off-duty Lieutenant Jonathan Bohm about a disturbance within the RV park. Responding in his unmarked police vehicle with emergency lights activated, Bohm encountered Orozco, who allegedly claimed to possess a firearm.
During their interaction, Bohm discharged his weapon, striking Orozco. Emergency services transported Orozco to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Eyewitness accounts
Ruth Lenihan, a resident of the campground, recounted that her two young sons, aged 10 and 7, witnessed the shooting.
She expressed concern for their safety, stating, “My kids could have been caught in the crossfire and could’ve been dead today, so it’s scary.” Lenihan mentioned that a nearby woman quickly moved her children to safety upon hearing the gunshots.
The incident has prompted varied responses from the community. Some residents are questioning the necessity of lethal force, especially given the presence of children in the vicinity.
Others are concerned about the frequency of police-involved shootings in Fort Lauderdale. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has stated that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will lead the investigation into this shooting, which is standard protocol.
Recent police-involved shootings in Fort Lauderdale
This was the fourth police-involved shooting in Fort Lauderdale within a six-week span. On January 19, 2025, a man was shot and killed by police at a gas station after allegedly exiting his vehicle with what officers believed was a weapon.
Earlier in January, another person was fatally shot by officers after reportedly holding a fire-starting object.
In December 2024, 22-year-old Jalen Moore was killed by police after allegedly holding his brother hostage at gunpoint and refusing commands to drop his weapon.
Official statements and investigation
Following the incident, Lieutenant Bohm was placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is overseeing the investigation, as is customary in such cases.
Authorities have not released further details about what led up to the shooting, and the community awaits more information as the investigation progresses.
The recent series of police-involved shootings has led to increased scrutiny of law enforcement practices in Fort Lauderdale. People demand transparency and thorough investigations to ensure accountability.
As the investigation into Orozco’s death continues, residents hope for clarity and measures to prevent future incidents.
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