Melbourne Mayor: Barricaded gunman who fired on police is dead
A barricaded man who fired on Melbourne police is dead and police said the gunfire threat at the apartment complex near one of the city's busiest intersections Wednesday morning is "contained."
Mayor Paul Alfrey said on Facebook that the suspect was dead but it was not clear if he died in the shootout with police. The officers were unharmed.
"I want to commend our Melbourne Police and fire departments for their response and quick actions," Alfrey stated on Facebook. "A suspect who is now deceased fired upon our officers and all officers are safe."
The incident occurred at an apartment complex at 46 West New Haven Avenue.
How shooting unfolded
Earlier, Melbourne police were called to the Pentagon Apartments complex to investigate a suspicious person seen nearby, said Sgt. Ben Slover, spokesman for Melbourne Police. The man fired on officers about 9 a.m. as they approached the apartment complex and he barricaded himself inside. Police established a perimeter, stretching around the three-story complex in the area off Babcock Street and near West New Haven.
A volley of gunfire could be heard coming from the area of the apartments about 10 a.m.
Agents with the Florida Department of Investigation arrived and began investigating the officer-involved shooting as is the standard for most police agencies across the state. Melbourne officers, aided by the Palm Bay Police Department and deputies with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, could be seen in tactical gear and carrying rifles after the incident was contained.
Motorists and pedestrians were advised to avoid the area as the situation unfolded.
Further details were not immediately available.
J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Or X, formerly known as Twitter: @JDGallop.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Melbourne police: Active shooter situation ends; Melbourne shooter dead
