Cops make arrest in targeted shooting in Boynton Beach

An arrest has been made in the brazen targeted shooting of a woman outside a food store in Boynton Beach on April 5, according to authorities.

Roderick A. Taylor, 24, of Lake Worth, was taken into custody Monday morning on a warrant for attempted first-degree murder, his arrest based on surveillance video and numerous tips identifying the shooter by the moniker “Rat Mike.”

Boynton Beach Police were already familiar with Taylor and his nickname because of previous runins. At the time of his arrest, Taylor had a warrant out for failing to appear on a drug charge, according to the report.

The 26-year-old victim was in critical condition, after being shot in the neck, chest and legs. When police arrived at the Z Food Meat Market on Seacrest Boulevard, they rendered “life-saving” medical attention to the woman, according to the report. The woman remains hospitalized.

Taylor had arrived at the store with an unidentified man late in the night, and the two walked around the parking lot before closing in on the victim, police said.

The unidentified man shook hands with several people outside, as Taylor, wearing a dark shirt and shorts and a bandanna that concealed the lower half of his face, stood nearby, according to the report.

The unidentified man then walked into the store while Taylor waited just outside the front door. Soon after the unidentified man walked out and appeared to make eye contact with Taylor and then nod at the victim, who was walking past Taylor.

Taylor pulled out a handgun and shot the victim “at point blank range,” according to the report. Both men then fled on foot out of camera range.

The investigation remains active and Boynton Beach Police are asking anyone with information to contact detectives at 561-732-8116 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS (8477).