NR 21-52 Deputy Involved Shooting
On November 9, 2021, at approximately 10:40 p.m., the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office responded to a robbery that occurred at the Sunoco gas station, located at 600 South Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island. The female clerk advised that a male subject wearing dark colored shorts and a dark colored hoodie, entered the store and battered her during the robbery. The clerk further advised the male suspect fled the area in a small, silver colored SUV.
Within minutes of the robbery, an anonymous call was received advising of a suspicious person armed with a handgun in Rotary Park, located at 1899 South Courtenay Parkway in Merritt Island. Deputies responded to the area and observed a male and vehicle in the park that matched the description of the robbery suspect. Upon observing the deputies, the subject told them he was armed with a Smith & Wesson handgun. The subject began advancing towards the deputies, while concealing his hands in his hoodie and ignoring their commands. As he continued advancing, the deputies observed the male pull what appeared to be a handgun from his hoodie and point it at them. The deputies responded to the lethal threat by discharging their firearms, striking the subject. The male was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and is currently in stable condition.
Subsequent investigation determined that the weapon the suspect pointed at the deputies was a flare gun. It was also learned that the suspect was the anonymous caller who reported the suspicious male in the park armed with a handgun. The identity of the subject is not being released at this time.
As is customary in officer involved shootings, the deputies have been placed on paid Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing and further details will be provided as they become available.
Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to please call Agent Samantha Grimes of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit 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.
