BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — A shooting and subsequent police chase on Monday left three individuals dead, including the suspected gunman, in a tragic incident that has shocked the local community. Authorities confirmed that the shooting, which took place in an office building around 4 p.m., was targeted, and the shooter had a pre-existing connection to the victims.
Witnesses reported that the two victims were brothers, Chuck and Rick Geragi, who managed a business called All-American Farms housed within the same building. A nearby realtor, Jackie Ellis, described the Geragi brothers as well-loved figures, recalling their warm demeanor and kindness as landlords. “Every time we saw them, it was all hugs,” she said, expressing the profound loss felt among those who knew them.
The incident unfolded as seven employees were present at Ellis’s nearby Keller Williams Realty office. She recounted a tense moment when shouts erupted, prompting her to urge others to seek safety. “I wanted to protect them,” Ellis said, reflecting on the close call without further injuries.
Law enforcement officials stated that after fatally shooting the Geragi brothers, the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Nesar Dawla, fled the scene. His escape ended shortly afterward when he crashed into a tree on Leisureville Boulevard, where he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Although there were no additional injuries reported, the emotional toll on the community is significant. Ellis described the impact of the tragedy on both the Geragi family and their employees, noting, “This is very devastating for their entire family… Our hearts are broken.”
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the Boynton Beach community grapples with the loss of two beloved figures. Local officials are urging anyone with information to reach out to law enforcement to assist in the ongoing inquiry. The incident has prompted discussions about safety and mental health support for those affected.