CAUGHT IN CROSSFIRE
Texans WR Tank Dell injured in mass shooting with 16-year-old suspect named as ‘gunman’ who ‘shot 10 at crowded event’
Dell had already faced a major interruption during his impressive rookie year
NFL player Tank Dell has been injured in a mass shooting after a teen allegedly shot 10 people at a crowded nightclub.
Dell, a wide receiver for the Houston Texans, was caught in the crossfire during the shooting at a Florida nightclub on Saturday.
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The shooting took place at Cabana Live nightclub and restaurant in Sanford, a city about 30 minutes north of Orlando.
A private event was going on at the venue when a fight broke out and shots were fired, injuring Dell and 9 others.
Dell was rushed to the hospital but is expected to make a full recovery.
"We have been made aware that Tank Dell was a victim of a shooting in Sanford, Fla. last night," the Texans said in a statement.
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"He sustained a minor wound, but has been released from the hospital and he is in good spirits. We are in contact with him and his family and will provide more updates when appropriate, but we ask that you please respect his privacy at this time.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the incident."
Dell had returned to his hometown of Daytona Beach - nearly 40 miles west of Sanford - to visit his mother.
TEEN ARRESTED
After the shooting, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office identified Christopher Bouie, 16, as the gunman.
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Arrest documents said that a fistfight broke out outside Cabana Live but Bouie wasn't involved until he "turned around and pulled out a black and silver handgun (9mm) and began shooting towards a crowd of people."
Several customers and a security guard were shot and left with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Bouie is accused of possession of a firearm by a minor, use and display of a firearm during a felony, firing a weapon on public property, and attempted homicide, according to his arrest report.
Venue speaks out on mass shooting
Cabana Live released the following statement on Facebook:
"As most of you have heard, there was an incident outside our establishment last night.
"We are cooperating with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and praying for all those involved.
"We reserved our venue out for a private event and we are still learning as the investigation continues what was the cause of this isolated incident.
"Our Cabana Live family is 100% safe and appreciate all the prayers and concerns.
"We are open our normal business hours."
A security guard was able to stop Bouie, tackling him and disarming him "almost immediately" after he began shooting, the report said.
DELL'S NFL CAREER
Despite a strong rookie season, Dell had been off the field to treat a broken fibula and has since made a full recovery.
Since then, he has been participating in the team's off-season conditioning program for extra training.
"He looks great," Pro Bowl quarterback CJ Stroud told NBC affiliate KPRC-TV.
"He’s gotten a lot better. Mentally, I think for both of us, really all of the rookies coming into Year Two, everything is starting to slow down, and the wheels aren’t turning so much up in your head.
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"You’re starting to play ball. Being able to throw with him in LA was really big."
The U.S. Sun reached out to Dell's reps for comment.
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