NR 24-03 Male arrested for aggravated assault against deputies
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 47-year-old, Nickolaos Henke of Merritt Island after he ran from a traffic stop and during the foot chase with deputes, fired a handgun. Henke is being charged with Aggravated Assault Against Law Enforcement with a Firearm, Driving while License Suspended With Knowledge 3Rd or subsequent offense, Resisting Arrest Without Violence, Improper exhibition of dangerous weapon, and Providing a False Name to LEO. He is currently being held at the Brevard County Detention Center on $32,000 Bond.
The incident began this morning at 9:15 a.m. when deputies received a call for service in reference to a suspicious vehicle in the area of SR 528 and N. Banana River Drive, Merritt Island. Deputies arrived on scene and observed the truck which was unoccupied. After obtaining the license plate information, they returned to their patrol vehicle to query the registration. While they were conducting the check, they observed Mr. Henke get into the vehicle and start to drive away.
The deputies initiated a traffic stop and asked Mr. Henke for his identification. Mr. Henke at that time provided a false name. As the deputies were investigating the name given by Henke, he fled on foot and jumped into the Banana River to evade deputies.
After swimming a short distance, Mr. Henke swam back to shore and ran into the wood line where he had a tent. Deputies continued to give chase and gave loud verbal commands for him to stop. While attempting to find Mr. Henke in the woods, they heard him call out “I have a gun” and then heard a gunshot.
Mr. Henke was taken into custody after he was observed running from the woods towards State Road 528. Prior to the apprehension, he was observed running with a firearm which he dropped. During the arrest two deputies received minor injuries. Both deputies were treated and released from a local hospital. It was later learned that Mr. Henke had provided the false name due to the fact there was an active warrant for his arrest in reference to a Failure to Appear for Driving Under the Influence.
For additional information concerning this News Release, please call PIO Tod Goodyear of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at 321-501-7594.
