MELBOURNE, Fla. – Law enforcement officials confirmed that the individual involved in the incident characterized as an "active shooter" in Melbourne on Wednesday morning was fatally shot by police after he opened fire on officers.
Melbourne Police Chief David Gillespie stated that the suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, emerged from the unit at Pentagon Apartments where he had barricaded himself and began shooting at police. Officers from multiple agencies returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times and causing fatal injuries.
Chief Gillespie confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
The Melbourne Police Department initially responded to reports of an "active shooter situation" shortly before 8:50 a.m. after receiving a 911 call about a suspicious individual at the complex near Babcock Street and Strawbridge Avenue. Specific details from the call were not immediately disclosed, with Chief Gillespie indicating that further updates would follow.
Upon arrival, officers encountered gunfire from the suspect but managed to withdraw safely without returning fire initially. They established a perimeter and attempted to resolve the situation peacefully with the assistance of SWAT and crisis negotiation teams. However, the suspect allegedly resumed shooting at police upon exiting the apartment, prompting officers from multiple agencies to engage.
Earlier reports suggesting the suspect was "in custody" were corrected when it was confirmed Wednesday morning that he had succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. Chief Gillespie acknowledged that the motive behind the suspect’s actions remains unclear and emphasized that the investigation, including a standard review by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, is ongoing.
