SWAT Breaches Bathroom After Man Barricades Himself and Fires Gun Inside Home

by Ryan Yousefi March 17, 2026

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SWAT Breaches Bathroom After Man Barricades Himself and Fires Gun Inside Home 4

Anthony Hardwick {BSO}

A man was arrested after barricading himself in a bathroom and firing multiple rounds inside an occupied townhome, prompting a SWAT response and evacuation of nearby residences.

According to an arrest warrant filed in Broward County Circuit Court, Anthony Hardwick, 27, of Lauderhill, was arrested on March 11 after Lauderhill Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at a townhome complex near the 5700 block of Blueberry Court.

Investigators on the scene say in the report that Hardwick had locked himself inside a second-floor bathroom before firing several rounds, prompting 911 calls. Officers were forced to evacuate multiple homes surrounding the apartment due to the severity of the call and reports of active gunfire.

A witness at the residence told officers she believed Hardwick had shot himself after barricading himself inside the bathroom. While she attempted to call out to him, authorities say Hardwick closed the bathroom door and fired four rounds through it, sending bullets into other areas of the home. The residence was occupied at the time, but no one was struck by the gunfire.

Police attempted to communicate with Hardwick through the door, but he initially did not respond. About 45 minutes later, officers reported hearing incoherent and irrational sounds from inside the bathroom, indicating he was still alive and barricaded inside.

Authorities evacuated the residence and nearby townhomes as a precaution while they worked to resolve the situation. The Broward Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was called to the scene to assist with breaching the door and safely taking Hardwick into custody.

SWAT officers were able to breach the bathroom door and take Hardwick into custody. He was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail, where he was later released after posting a $25,000 bond.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples 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.