Suspects shoot at Florida police officers during chase in Cocoa: police

TITUSVILLE, Fla. - A man and woman are facing multiple felony charges after allegedly leading Florida police officers on a chase, and shooting at them during the pursuit Wednesday night, according to the Cocoa Police Department.

Early Wednesday evening, officers said they attempted a traffic stop for a vehicle that ran a stop sign. Officers said as the female driver sped off, a male passenger in the vehicle fired at least three rounds at them. Officers initiated a pursuit northbound on U.S. Highway 1 with assistance from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver crashed into another vehicle near Olmstead Dr. in Titusville at which time officers were able to take the adult occupants into custody. Officers said there was also a toddler in the vehicle who was not properly secured. The child was not injured, the spokesperson said. 

The suspects have been identified as Jewel Marie Wellington and Michael Ryan Charles. 

Wellington is facing charges of felony fleeing and eluding, child abuse, reckless driving, and violation of probation, among others. Charles is facing charges of attempted murder, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, child abuse, and battery on a law enforcement officer.

The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of Titusville Police.