AN NFL player has been injured in a mass shooting after a teen allegedly shot 10 people at a nightclub.
Tank Dell, a wide receiver for the Houston Texans, was an innocent bystander in a shooting at a Florida nightclub that involved several people on Saturday.
The shooting took place at Cabana Live nightclub and restaurant located in Sanford, a city about 30 minutes north of Orlando.
The athlete, who was not involved in the incident, received minor injuries 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.
“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 was on a trip to see his mother in his hometown of Daytona Beach – nearly 40 miles west of Sanford.
Christopher Bouie, 16, was identified by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office as the shooter.
The teen allegedly shot 10 people, including Dell at the Cabana Live nightclub and restaurant.
Several other patrons and a security guard were shot.
Investigators say the incident started as a verbal argument that escalated, resulting in several people suffering non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
Bouie is facing charges for 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.
According to the arrest report, there was a fist fight outside of Cabana Live that Bouie wasn’t involved in until he “turned around and pulled out a black and silver handgun (9mm) and began shooting towards a crowd of people.”
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, read the report.
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.
“You’re starting to play ball. Being able to throw with him in LA was really big.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Dell’s reps for comment.
