PALM BAY, Fla. — A Palm Bay police officer shot and killed a man who they said opened fire at officers Sunday morning, authorities said.
Officers responded to a home at the 900 block of Castille Road just before 5:30 a.m. after a call to 911.
According to police, Bradford Leonard, 50, started firing from the home at the responding officers as they arrived at the scene.
That story was corroborated by a neighbor.
“During the gunfire the subject came outside, walked in the driveway and at some point pointed a firearm at one of our officers,” said Interim Police Chief Mark Renkins. “The officer at that point believed he had no choice but to return fire.”
A neighbor up the street said he saw Leonard come out firing and that’s when police fired back.
"He came out and kept firing and they fired back at them," said neighbor Hutch Acker.
But a neighbor closer to the scene, who said he’s spoken with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, said he’s unsure whether Leonard fired any shots.
Police returned fire and Officer Derek Hollcroft, 28, shot and killed Leonard, investigators said.
Leonard died at the scene.
“These officers have a very, very difficult, tough job. They have to make split-second, life or death decisions and that’s exactly what we were faced with here this morning,” said Renkins. “This is a tough situation for all involved.”
No officers were injured during the exchange.
Leonard’s wife and two young children were not home at the time.
“He’s a great man. He’s out with his kids every day, playing with his kids,” said neighbor Taylor Latos.
Police said they’ve responded several times in the past to the home, but would not say if Sunday’s incident stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Investigators interviewed Hollcroft, as well as other witnesses.
Hollcroft is being placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating the shooting.
Hollcroft has worked with the Palm Bay Police Department for two years.
Neighbors told WFTV Leonard was a marine who may have suffered from PTSD. However, officials have not confirmed that.
WFTV
