MELBOURNE, Fla. – One person was shot in the abdomen and another was pistol-whipped late Monday during a home invasion at a Melbourne apartment complex, police said.
The armed robbery took place about 10:45 p.m. at the Landmark Ocean Breeze apartment complex at 3151 S. Babcock Street.
Police said that several people from the Cocoa area were invited to a residence for a get-together when several armed men followed them into the apartment and terrorized the occupants.
“They were just hanging out. Several people came in behind them and produced firearms. The people in the apartment retreated to a bedroom,” Melbourne police Lt. Steve Sadoff told News 6 partner Florida Today.
At one point, one of the armed men pistol-whipped one of the occupants, police said. Another occupant, who retrieved a weapon, confronted one of the gunmen and a struggle ensued, police said. The gunman took the firearm from the victim and then shot him in the abdomen, according to police.
Police also said several items were stolen from the apartment.
“At least one of the suspects was known to the occupants. The victim is also stable. He was conscious and alert,” Sadoff said.
The victim was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Police continue to search for the assailants.