BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Charges are pending against a man accused of threatening people with a gun at Viera Regional Park on Friday night, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
Preliminary information from the sheriff’s office referenced a “disturbance” ahead of what happened at the park. A news release issued Saturday further described deputies’ response, what allegedly began as a report of a handgun being fired.
In the release, the sheriff’s office said it received a report around 8 p.m. from someone who claimed she heard a shot after running away from a car she had just been driving. The caller said that she was giving a male friend of hers a ride when the passenger reportedly “began acting paranoid and produced a firearm,” at which point the caller stopped the car and fled.
While responding to this call — heading to Borasco Drive, Viera — deputies were given further information that a male matching the description of the passenger was at Viera Regional Park “threatening spectators with a gun.” Once at the park, deputies found that the man had been struck by a vehicle while running through the parking lot, the release states.
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The man was hospitalized and was still receiving medical care as of Saturday evening, deputies said. His identity was not released at that time and charges are pending, according to the release.
In a statement, the Viera Suntree Little League Board of Directors wrote that the man ran through its facilities after an isolated incident at a nearby apartment complex.
The incident did not have a direct connection to Viera Suntree Little League facilities, leagues or participants, according to the statement.
Dear VSLL Families,
We wanted to bring to your attention that an isolated incident occurred at VRP Friday night that has understandably raised concerns among our baseball and softball families.
There was an incident at the apartment complex next to the VRP and a man was seen running through our facilities carrying a firearm. This incident did not directly have anything to do with our facilities, league or participants. The response time by our law enforcement was commendable along with our volunteers and families finding the appropriate shelter.
This incident was resolved quickly and the individual in question was apprehended. At this time it has been determined that the park was not a target, rather a place to go after a domestic dispute.
We are in contact with the county and sheriff’s office to ensure that we take all necessary steps to maintain a safe environment for everyone. Your peace of mind is essential to us, and we will continue to work diligently to provide a secure and enjoyable experience at VRP.
VSLL Board of Directors — Nov. 3, 2023
Anyone who may know something about the investigation was asked to call Agent Kevin Morris of the BCSO Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413.
This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for updates.
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