gunman Brandon Kapas shot, killed by police
Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello: “What is clear are the heroic actions of the men and women of the Palm Bay Police Department and surrounding agencies. Responding with exceptional courage and efficiency, officers eliminated the threat, ensuring the safety of our community.”
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Palm Bay police detectives are still investigating the motive behind gunman Brandon Kapas’ actions during a deadly shooting rampage on Sunday that left the shooter and three others dead – and two police officers wounded.
“The motive behind Kapas’ actions remains unclear,” said Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello.
“However, what is clear are the heroic actions of the men and women of the Palm Bay Police Department and surrounding agencies. Responding with exceptional courage and efficiency, officers eliminated the threat, ensuring the safety of our community.”
Palm Bay Police Officers Stephen Ball and Nicholas Franze were wounded in the arm and leg and taken to the hospital.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Officers Stephen Ball and Nicholas Franze who are in good spirits and expected to make a full recovery,” said Chief Augello, “and also to the families of the victim’s involved in this senseless tragedy.”
“Once again, we would like to thank the outpouring of supporting messages from our community and fellow law enforcement agencies.”
According to Palm Bay Police Lt. Virginia Kilmer, on Sunday during the course of the shooting investigation, police detectives were able to locate the vehicle Kapas had driven to the scene, which contained an arsenal of weapons and ammunition.
“The vehicle was registered to 1881 Kamloops Street NW, which investigators responded to at about 7:05 p.m.,” said Lt. Kilmer. “Upon arriving, they located a deceased male and female who appeared to have been fatally wounded by gunshots.”
Police identified the male victim as 76-year-old Robert John Hoeffner and the female victim as Hoeffner’s sister, 69-year-old Sally Joan Hoeffner.
“At this time, we have not been able to identify the relationship between Kapas and these two victims,” said Lt. Kilmer.
Prior to this discovery, dispatch received a call at 2:07 p.m. in reference to a domestic disturbance during a birthday party.
“Officers responded to 473 Forgal Avenue NE, arriving on scene at 2:19 p.m.,” said Lt. Kilmer. “Shortly after arriving, officers encountered the suspect who refused to comply with numerous verbal commands. Kapas was subsequently tased, however able to escape.”
Lt. Kilmer said at 2:25 p.m., an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and Palm Bay police officers occurred, injuring Officers Ball and Franze.
“After shooting both officers, Kapas then shot and killed his grandfather, 78-year-old William Michael Kapas. Due to Kapas’ direct actions, he was subsequently shot and killed at 2:36 p.m.,” said Lt. Kilmer.
During a press conference, Chief Augello said several family members of of Kapas worked at St. Joseph Catholic Church, including Hoeffner. Chief Augello also said a “bigger event” might have been planned because of the of firearms and ammunition discovered in Kapas’ vehicle.
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