DELRAY BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The shooting last Wednesday in Polo Trace — and subsequent cover-up by the Polo Trace HOA — is leading to anger, angst, and accusations by homeowners who say they are being lied to by their elected board of directors.
As BocaNewsNow.com reported exclusively, a shooting in Polo Trace around 10:30 Wednesday morning led to a massive rollout of police, investigators, and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue — all converging on the normally quiet community that sits on Hagen Ranch Road. The HOA claimed it was just a car crash. But BocaNewsNow.com reported — and police confirmed — that it was in fact an incident involving gunfire, something exceptionally rare in West Delray Beach communities.
There was initial confusion. Police and paramedics, at first, believed a man in his late 30s was shot in the head. Sources tell BocaNewsNow.com that there was “lots of blood at the scene” of the car crash and “the victim sustained a sizable head injury.” Police apparently found shell casings which led paramedics to assume the worst — they believed the victim was shot in the head and rushed him to Delray Medical Center. But as PBSO investigated, it was later determined that two things were true at the same time. There was a crash. And apparently in the moments after the crash, someone opened fire on the victim. The bullets missed.
Confused and concerned, homeowners turned to their HOA for information. The HOA, according to multiple homeowners, lied — issuing this email:
“We have received a phone call and follow-up email from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Detective leading the investigation into the June 17 incident within our community. In his email, the Detective stated: “This incident initially came to me as a possible shooting. Since then, we have determined that no one was shot within your community. The incident is being investigated as a vehicle crash with injuries. There is no danger to the residents of your community.” As this statement demonstrates, law enforcement initially believed they were investigating a possible shooting. This is precisely why the Board and Management chose to communicate only information that had been confirmed by investigating authorities rather than speculate or repeat unverified reports. We understand that many residents wanted immediate answers and that rumors and theories circulated throughout the community and on social media. While waiting for confirmed information was not always popular, we believe it was the responsible approach and one that ultimately ensured residents received accurate information rather than assumptions. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while the investigation progressed and official information became available.”
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But the email contains what homeowners say is gross misinformation. Police knew while on the scene that shots had been fired. Homeowners apparently heard those shots. And this information was communicated to the HOA. But the Polo Trace Homeowners Association apparently chose to lie to the community — saying no gun was involved. A blatant mistruth.
Sources tell BocaNewsNow.com that the person who opened fire “lawyered up” and has not been charged, although the investigation continues. It is unclear what led to the crash or if this could possibly be a “stand your ground” case that potentially justified gunfire. The victim — who was briefly identified in a GoFundMe campaign that has since been removed — remains hospitalized. He has not responded to information requests from BocaNewsNow.com.
