TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — The man accused of shooting and killing a Tarpon Springs police officer on Sunday has been denied bond.
The Tarpon Springs Police Department identified the fallen officer as 45-year-old Charles Kondek, a 17-year veteran of the police department. The father of five was killed in the line of duty while responding to a noise complaint.
The officer was wearing a bulletproof vest when 23-year-old Marco Parilla Jr. shot him, but the bullet hit him in a spot that wasn't covered, officials said.
PHOTOS: Community in mourning after officer's killing
Law enforcement officials across the state, including Orlando police Chief John Mina, are now telling their officers to be on guard.
"We're telling our officers to remain vigilant, stay alert, not cancel their backup for any type of call," said Mina.
Mina said his department has not received any direct threats.
In the meantime, Gov. Rick Scott has also ordered all state and U.S. flags to be flown half-staff Tuesday in honor of Kondek.
In a statement, Scott said he hopes Floridians come together and foster a peace that will prevent future tragedies in the state.
The suspect's aunt, Jauna Manendez, said Parilla is not close to his own parents. She said she tried taking him under her wing, but hasn't seen her nephew in two years
"It really shocked me," said Manendez. "He was a nice kid. He never used to be a problem until now."
Manendez said Parilla got involved with the wrong type of people for what he thought was good reasons.
"That he is in a gang, he feel that somebody has to take (care) of him," she said.
With 30 arrests under his belt, Parilla told investigators he shot the officer because he felt like a caged rat and knew he was heading back to prison because there was a warrant out for his arrest.
Parilla is charged with first-degree murder in the officer's killing.
A memorial fund has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank for Kondek. Anyone that wishes to make a donation may do so at any Wells Fargo bank branch.
Checks should be made out to the "Officer Charles Kondek Memorial Fund."
WFTV
