A suspect is dead after at least a dozen shots were fired Wednesday morning as Melbourne police responded to reports of a suspicious person in the area of Babco*ck Street and Strawbridge Avenue. A spokesperson for the Melbourne Police Department said when officers arrived, the suspect went inside an apartment complex and then shot at officers.The suspect was identified as 47-year-old William J Banks Jr. from Melbourne, according to police. "When we got to the residence, they were engaged by the suspect with gunfire. Multiple rounds were fired at the officers," said Chief David Gillespie.The complex was surrounded by law enforcement when the suspect finally exited and started shooting again. That's when officers shot and killed him, MPD confirmed. No officers were injured. “While we were conducting this operation, officers were again engaged by the suspect with gunfire, and then again after a period of time and then another shot, and then he came out and was firing and engaged our officers, and he was shot," Gillespie said. Several other police agencies responded to back up Melbourne P.D. It’s not clear how many officers were fired or from what agency.The area is southeast of the Melbourne Orlando International Airport.People were asked to avoid the area of Babco*ck and Hibiscus Boulevard, as well as Babco*ck and Fee Avenue.Bob Taylor, the manager for two decades, was stunned when he learned who he believed was involved."The gentleman in question is one of the best tenants we've ever had, one of the kindest people I've ever met, and I do not understand what has happened to him," Taylor said. Melbourne's Mayor, Paul Alfrey, also responded to the scene, concerned for the safety of all."When somebody comes out and fires at you, you've got to take immediate action," Alfrey said. "Fortunately, all our officers are safe. It's a very unfortunate incident, but our police officers have to go home to their families safe.” The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the officer-involved shooting.
MELBOURNE, Fla. —
A suspect is dead after at least a dozen shots were fired Wednesday morning as Melbourne police responded to reports of a suspicious person in the area of Babco*ck Street and Strawbridge Avenue.
A spokesperson for the Melbourne Police Department said when officers arrived, the suspect went inside an apartment complex and then shot at officers.
The suspect was identified as 47-year-old William J Banks Jr. from Melbourne, according to police.
"When we got to the residence, they were engaged by the suspect with gunfire. Multiple rounds were fired at the officers," said Chief David Gillespie.
The complex was surrounded by law enforcement when the suspect finally exited and started shooting again.
That's when officers shot and killed him, MPD confirmed.
No officers were injured.
“While we were conducting this operation, officers were again engaged by the suspect with gunfire, and then again after a period of time and then another shot, and then he came out and was firing and engaged our officers, and he was shot," Gillespie said.
Several other police agencies responded to back up Melbourne P.D. It’s not clear how many officers were fired or from what agency.
The area is southeast of the Melbourne Orlando International Airport.
People were asked to avoid the area of Babco*ck and Hibiscus Boulevard, as well as Babco*ck and Fee Avenue.
Bob Taylor, the manager for two decades, was stunned when he learned who he believed was involved.
"The gentleman in question is one of the best tenants we've ever had, one of the kindest people I've ever met, and I do not understand what has happened to him," Taylor said.
Melbourne's Mayor, Paul Alfrey, also responded to the scene, concerned for the safety of all.
"When somebody comes out and fires at you, you've got to take immediate action," Alfrey said. "Fortunately, all our officers are safe. It's a very unfortunate incident, but our police officers have to go home to their families safe.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the officer-involved shooting.
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***Avoid the Area***
— Melbourne Police (@MelbournePolice) June 26, 2024
Melbourne PD is actively working an active shooter situation in the area of Babco*ck & Strawbridge. Please avoid the area.
Press staging area is in the parking lot north of Hibicus, west of Babco*ck.
We will keep you updated as we receive more info.
