PALM BAY, Fla. — Police in Palm Bay said they arrested a man in connection with a deadly shooting late Tuesday at a convenience store.
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Officers responded to the 7-Eleven on Bayside Lakes Boulevard shortly before 11:45 p.m. They said they found a man with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Police said that a short time later, Indian River County deputies discovered the suspect’s vehicle and tried to stop it.
They said the suspect fled and a chase ensued, culminating with the use of stop sticks and the eventual arrest of the driver, who was identified as Evan Armon Chambliss, 23.
Investigators said Chambliss was taken into custody and turned over to Palm Bay police detectives for the murder of the victim.
Chambliss is being charged with first-degree murder and armed carjacking.
Read: Police continue search for gunman in Palm Bay shooting that left 4 teens injured
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family. This act was one of pure evil. This is the only way to describe the heinous actions of the individual,” Palm Bay police Chief Mario Augello said. “Through the collaborative efforts of 7-Eleven, the quick actions of our officers and deputies with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Chambliss was arrested before he could endanger the lives of anyone else. There is no evidence that he knew the victim. This crime was one of opportunity that ended with the senseless murder of an innocent man.”
The victim’s name is being withheld under Marsy’s Law.
Tuesday’s shooting death is the latest in a string of recent violent incidents in Palm Bay in the last week.
On Monday evening, police were called to Hadley Circle after four teenagers were shot at The Park at Palm Bay apartments.
They are still recovering from their injuries, and no arrests have been made.
Read: Palm Bay police arrest couple in connection with deadly shooting at ‘The Compound’
Days earlier, police discovered the body of 30-year-old Nicholas Mitchell in an undeveloped part of the city known as “The Compound.”
A couple has been arrested in that case.
Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina released the following statement Wednesday, addressing the community’s concerns about recent criminal activity.
See a map of Tuesday’s shooting scene below:
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