MELBOURNE, Fla. — A police officer shot a burglary suspect who was riding in a car that was traveling toward him early Thursday, the Melbourne Police Department said.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office notified Melbourne police at about 2 a.m. that deputies were following a vehicle containing people involved in several commercial burglaries in Orange County, Palm Bay and West Melbourne, Melbourne police Cmdr. Marc Claycomb said.
Police followed the car to Eau Gallie Boulevard and Sarno Road, where the people exited the car, Claycomb said.
"Officers ... approached the suspects as they were trying to open several cash boxes they had just stolen," he said. "The suspects ran back to their vehicle and fled."
Police said they chased the car and deployed stop sticks, deflating the vehicle's tires.
The burglars drove to the parking lot of an assisted living facility on Houston Street, investigators said.
"One of the officers exited the vehicle and gave orders for the driver to stop," Melbourne police Chief David Gillespie said. "The driver did not stop and continued in the direction of the officer. The officer fired one round into the vehicle, striking the passenger."
Channel 9 obtained video showing the moment the bullet pierced the windshield.
Police said five people in the car were taken into custody, including the injured person, who was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Police identified the following suspects: Mike Duncan Jr., 19; Quantavious Latrell Williams, 20; Kevion Tyrell Baker, 19; Rashaune M. Hylick, 18; and Anthony Darnell Davis, 21.
Investigators did not disclose the identity of the officer who shot the person but said he has been with the agency for about nine months.
The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the shooting, which is standard protocol.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477 or Melbourne police at 321-608-6731.
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Cox Media Group
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