NR 23-03 Investigative Update – Subject identified in deputy involved shooting
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has identified the subject involved in the deputy involved shooting that occurred yesterday afternoon, January 25, 2023, in Melbourne Beach. The subject is 59-year-old Kenneth Lassiter of Melbourne Beach.
The incident began at approximately 12:45 p.m. when the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve a search warrant related to narcotics trafficking at a residence located on Beverly Court, Melbourne Beach. As members of the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team approached the residence and announced their presence, a female exited the residence. Believing others were still located within the residence, the SWAT team continued announcing their presence, directing those persons within the residence to exit. Lassiter was then observed approaching from a back hallway of the residence, armed with a firearm. Several members of the SWAT team responded to the deadly threat and discharged their firearms in an attempt to neutralize the threat.
The SWAT team continued announcements directing any persons inside to exit the residence. A female was then observed in the residence entryway who appeared to be injured. The female was removed from the residence and a search of the residence located Lassiter deceased.
The female was transported to a local hospital where she was treated and is currently admitted in stable condition.
During the subsequent search of the Lassiter’s residence, agents seized illegal narcotics to include amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Lassiter had a felony criminal history that included previous arrests for Aggravated Battery with a Weapon and Robbery. Lassiter also was previously sentenced to 30 years on Federal Drug Importation charges.
The identities of the other involved parties and law enforcement personnel are 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 of this incident is ongoing and being conducted by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Once complete, the investigative findings will be submitted to the Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit.
Additional updates and details will be provided as they become available.
For additional information concerning this News Release, please call PIO Tod Goodyear of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at 321-501-7594.
