2 dead, 2 officers injured in Palm Bay shooting, police say

PALM BAY, Fla. - Two people died and two officers were injured after a shooting in Palm Bay on Sunday afternoon, police said.

Around 2:07 p.m., Palm Bay officers responded to a domestic disturbance on the 400 block of Forgal Ave. NE. Shortly after arriving, officers said they attempted to speak with 24-year-old Brandon Kapas who was leaving the residence. 

Kapas reportedly refused to comply with the officer's verbal commands.

Brandon Kapas was arrested back in 2023 for DUI and reckless driving, and in 2019 for DUI and resisting arrest, according to arrest records. (Photo: Brevard County Sheriff's Office)

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Shortly after, gunfire erupted and two officers were shot.

Additional police responded to the area and pursued Kapas who fled from the scene. 

Police said Kapas was killed by officers shortly after, and another person was reportedly killed by Kapas before he engaged with officers. The identity of that victim has not yet been released.

"Our officers did what they were trained to do, and that’s neutralize and stop a threat to our community," Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello said.

In response to the shooting, the Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina said:

"I was saddened to have been informed of the tragic events in our beloved city. My thoughts and prayers are with the families that are experiencing the loss of life of their loved ones," Medina said. "I am thankful and grateful to Father God our law enforcement officials do not have life threatening injuries.  They continue to exemplify service before self as they serve and protect our families."

The officers are being treated at a hospital. Augello said his officers will recover. 

"Two of our officers were shot today, as a result of doing their job, and that is to protect and serve our community and the members and citizens of Palm Bay," Augello said.