PALM BAY, Florida – Palm Bay police held a news conference on Monday to address a shootout over the weekend that resulted in three victims and one suspect dead, as well as two officers injured. The incident unfolded when officers responded to a domestic disturbance call on Forgal Avenue NE.
According to Chief Mario Augello, officers encountered 24-year-old Brandon Kapas, who was reportedly armed and uncooperative. Despite attempts to subdue him with a stun gun, Kapas engaged in a struggle with the officers and ultimately gunfire erupted, leaving two officers injured and Kapas dead.
The situation took a tragic turn when it was revealed that one of the victims was Kapas’ grandfather, 78-year-old William Kapas Sr., who had been visiting from Kentucky. The grandfather was reportedly attempting to intervene and stop Kapas when the shooting occurred.
Authorities discovered an arsenal of weapons in Kapas’ vehicle, raising concerns about his intentions. In a Facebook post, Fr. Randall Meissen, Director of Florida Tech Catholic Campus Ministry, expressed sorrow over the loss of the Rev. Robert Hoeffner and his sister, Sally, who were also victims of the shooting.
As the investigation continues, the relationship between the two additional victims and the alleged shooter remains unknown. Palm Bay police are working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and bring closure to the affected families.