MELBOURNE, Fla. — Read live updates about a shooting involving Melbourne police below:
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
8:10 p.m. update
The Melbourne Police Department identified the suspect who shot at law enforcement at an apartment complex on Wednesday.
Police said the man was 47-year-old William Banks Jr. from Melbourne.
Investigators said they received a well-being call shortly before 8 a.m. at the Pentagon Apartment Complex.
Police officers arrived at the complex and knocked on the door when the man began shooting at officers.
Law enforcement took cover, and the man fired at the additional officers who arrived at the scene for backup.
The police department said that crisis negotiators contacted the man by phone, and he stepped out of the front door with a weapon.
Police officers fired at the man, who then died from his injuries.
Officers involved will be put on administrative leave, as is standard protocol. Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents had also responded.
4:50 p.m. update
The Melbourne Police Department has yet to publicly identify the man whom police killed Wednesday morning after he shot at officers.
The shootout happened at about 8:30 a.m. at the Pentagon Gardens Apartments near Babcock Street and Strawbridge Avenue.
Police ordered residents to shelter in place as the shooting unfolded.
Photos: Police working ‘active shooter situation’ in Melbourne
They said they did not want to evacuate the apartment complex because the gunman was actively shooting outside.
Blake Moia, who lives at the complex, said he heard the gunfire Wednesday morning.
“I heard a bunch of gunshots -- about 8 to 10 -- then a final pop a couple seconds after that,” he said.
Police said the gunman was holed up for almost two hours before he was shot to death.
12:07 p.m. update
The Melbourne Police Department said Wednesday afternoon that the gunman has died of his injuries.
Watch live updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News at Noon.
12 p.m. update
Melbourne police continue to investigate a standoff at an apartment complex that left a suspected gunman shot multiple times.
Watch live team coverage on Channel 9 Eyewitness News at Noon.
10:50 a.m. update
The Melbourne Police Department said Wednesday morning that officers shot a man that shot at them at an apartment complex.
They said residents called them at 8:30 a.m. in reference to a “suspicious situation” at the complex.
Police said they were met with gunfire upon their arrival to the complex.
@MelbournePD wrapping up staging area near Babcock and Hibiscus Blvd. Just spoke with officers who tell us the suspect is in custody. There is no threat to the public. The suspect shot at officers multiple times, officers returned fire and shot the suspect multiple times. pic.twitter.com/g2nI8g8nhd
— Sam Martello (@sammartellotv) June 26, 2024
They took cover and called in backup.
Investigators said that is when the gunman shot more rounds at officers.
They said multiple officers then shot the armed man, and he was taken into custody.
No officers were injured during the shootings.
Read: Tropical disturbances in the Caribbean and near Africa could organize this week
Police said “the threat has been neutralized” and that there is “no further threat to public safety.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.
Channel 9 has multiple crews at the scene. Watch live team coverage on Channel 9 Eyewitness News at Noon.
10:15 a.m. update
Channel 9′s Q McCray is near the scene and monitoring police activity in the area and posted this update on X:
Multiple law enforcement agencies and SWAT have several blocks locked down in Melbourne near Babcock St and Strawbridge Ave. We’ve heard several rounds of gunfire. Working on getting the more info from officers. Watch @WFTV for more. pic.twitter.com/liK45AIUBg
— Q McCray (@QMcCrayWFTV) June 26, 2024
9:35 a.m. update
Channel 9 has a crew at the scene. See photos below:
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
9:20 a.m. update
Melbourne police said people need to avoid the area between Babcock Street and Hibiscus Boulevard and Babcock Street and Fee Avenue.
Police said the situation is still active.
Original report
Officers said the shooting happened in the area of Babcock Street and Strawbridge Avenue.
Police are telling people to avoid the area.
Read: Florida woman convicted of sexually abusing her 2 sons, family dog, receives 21 life terms
No other details were released by law enforcement.
Channel 9 has a crew working to gather more details and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.
©2024 Cox Media Group