On September 24, 2026, at about 6 p.m., an armed robbery suspect was shot by the renter of an Airbnb in the 800 block of Northwest 19th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, according to police.
The suspect entered the rental property while carrying a firearm and attempted to commit robbery. The renter confronted the intruder and discharged a weapon, striking the suspect.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department responded to the scene shortly after the incident. Officers confirmed that the suspect was armed and that the renter's use of force occurred during an altercation as the suspect tried to carry out the robbery.
The suspect was taken into custody after being shot. Medical assistance was provided at the location, and the renter remained at the scene pending investigation.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about safety in short‑term rental properties. Police officials emphasized that they will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and will determine whether any further legal action is required.
No additional injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing.
The incident occurred at roughly 6 p.m., the time reported by responding officers. According to the police report, the individual entered the rental property while visibly carrying a firearm, then proceeded to demand valuables, prompting the confrontation that led to the shooting.
The Airbnb unit is situated in the 800 block of Northwest 19th Avenue, an area of Fort Lauderdale that includes a mix of residential homes and short‑term rentals. Police indicated that the location was a private dwelling rather than a commercial establishment.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department released a statement confirming that the suspect was armed with a gun and that the renter’s discharge of a weapon occurred during the altercation. The department said investigators will review all evidence to determine the legal justification for the use of force.