Investigative Update-Merritt Island Deputy Involved Shooting

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is identifying the deputy involved in yesterday’s Merritt Island deputy involved shooting incident. The deputy is identified as Sergeant Chris Ferrante. Sergeant Ferrante has been a member of the Sheriff’s Office since November 2000. He has served as a deputy and corporal in our road patrol, Traffic Unit and the Ag/Marine Unit. He was promoted to sergeant in 2017 and is currently assigned to Operational Services as the sergeant of the Sheriff’s Office K-9 and Traffic Enforcement Units.

Prior to his employment with the Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Ferrante proudly served as a member of the Cocoa Police Department, Department of Corrections and the United States Navy.

Sergeant Ferrante has been placed on paid administrative leave as is customary in officer involved shootings.

The suspect wounded in this case, who is identified as 31-year-old Douglas William Dixon, is in stable condition at a local hospital. The investigation is ongoing and any charges related to the incidents are pending at this time.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to please call Agent Philipp Urbanetz of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at 321-633-8413.

For additional information concerning this News Release, please call PIO Tod Goodyear of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at 321-501-7594.