Who is Chase Harder? Florida Detention Officer Arrested In Fatal Coral Springs Shooting

Chase Harder is a 21-year-old detention officer who is currently in the grips of the police for taking the life of his girlfriend days after threatening her. The incident happened at a Coral Springs apartment complex. In this post, we have details about the whole situation. Keep reading for more.

Florida Detention Officer, Chase Harder Arrested For Murder

A tragic incident unfolded at a Coral Springs apartment complex where a Fort Lauderdale Police detention officer, Chase Harder, allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, Dayanna Hurtado, while her young daughter was nearby. The arrest report reveals that just weeks prior, Hurtado had accused Harder of sending her threatening text messages, in which he expressed intentions to harm her. Following the fatal shooting on Tuesday night, Harder, aged 21, has been charged with premeditated murder and written threats to cause harm.

Police officers swiftly responded to the scene at the MAA Coral Springs apartment complex on Ramblewood Drive shortly before 8:30 p.m. The arrest report, released on Thursday, details that a witness heard gunshots followed by the distressing sound of a child’s screams, along with additional gunshots.

The witness recounted observing a man carrying a child as he hurriedly left the scene in a white Mercedes. Upon arrival, law enforcement found evidence of the tragic event, including bloodstains on a wall and balcony from the second floor of the building, as well as spent shell casings.

Tragically, Dayanna Hurtado was discovered on the balcony with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s 3-year-old daughter, who had witnessed the horrifying incident, was safely removed from the scene by Harder.

Family members shared that Hurtado and her daughter had recently moved from Peru to South Florida. Hurtado had entered into a relationship with Harder, which quickly led to them living together in Coral Springs. The family expressed shock and disbelief over the heartbreaking turn of events.

In the aftermath, Chase Harder was taken into custody and appeared in court where he was ordered to be held without bond. Harder, a former Army Reserve military police officer, had been employed by the Fort Lauderdale Police as a detention officer since 2022. Despite his professional background, the department expressed its disappointment in a statement, emphasizing that the allegations did not align with the character and professionalism expected of their personnel. As a result, Harder has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending further investigation. The department extended its deepest condolences to all those affected by this devastating incident.