June 26, 2024
BREAKING: Police give update on active shooter situation near Downtown Melbourne.
Homeland security officers were on scene today of a barricaded suspect at the Pentagon Apartment Complex near Downtown Melbourne on U.S. 192 and Babcock Street. The Blake Moia Show spotted several SWAT Tanks, a Brevard County Sheriff's Office helicopter, a Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad Unit and a U.S. Department of Homeland Security mobile command post at the active scene.
Melbourne Police Chief David Gillespie spoke to reporters from the scene and said police responded to a suspicious incident on the third floor of the Pentagon Apartment Complex on Strawbridge Ave.
When officers arrived to investigate, a male shooter ambushed the officers. The officers retreated to safety and called for backup.
According to the chief, as the officers were retreating to safety, the gunman, only identified as a male at this time, continued to open fire on the officers as they were taking cover. Officers were able to secure the area, get everyone evacuated and call for backup.
Several units, including outside jurisdictions from Palm Bay PD, The Sheriff's Office, Airport Police, SWAT and Homeland Security Officers converged on the scene.
"Once other officers came to assist, we were able to surround the building and take positions", the Chief said.
Initial reports say the unidentified gunman kidnapped an innocent hostage.
After SWAT and tactical officers arrived on scene, several more gunshots rang out from the suspect.
When The Blake Moia Show arrived on scene to the media staging area, we heard several, at least a dozen gun shots break out in the distance.
"There was rapid gunfire -- all at once. Probably a dozen or so. Followed by a brief pause for 2 seconds. Then a final single shot", Blake Moia reported. Radio channel chatter from SWAT officers immediately reported shots fired, followed by "Cease fire. Suspect is down."
The Melbourne Police Chief told reporters that the male gunman was taken into custody and combat medics began life-saving measures.
"Officers from at least 2 agencies fired their weapons. It's an on-going investigation", according to the chief. Authorites say the motive is unclear and there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to determined exactly what happened.
"No officers were injured, thankfully, in this incident and I am proud of the men and women of our department for handling this professionally", said the Chief.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is on scene to investigate.
Sgt. Slover gave an update around noon time saying the suspect was confirmed deceased at the scene. His identify will be provided later pending next of kin.
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