PALM BAY, Fla. – A woman is dead in what police described as an “armed domestic disturbance” in Palm Bay and a man shot by responding officers has now died, according to police.
Officers descended on the area of Biarritz Street NW around 9:10 a.m. Friday after receiving a 911 call regarding a suspicious incident, according to a news release.
Police said after arriving on the scene, they heard a gunshot from inside of a residence.
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According to the release, a suspect exited the home and shot at police before officers returned fire. The man then ran through nearby homes before officers established a perimeter.
Police said after a search, the Brevard County Aviation Unit was able to locate the man, who had “injuries.”
“The suspect is identified as 29-year-old Joseph Fleming, a convicted felon with an extensive, violent criminal history, to include armed home invasion, kidnapping and robbery,” Palm Bay Police Chief Augello said at the time.
Fleming was airlifted to a hospital and was in critical condition but later died, police said.
Police said the woman, identified as 23-year-old Jaquelynn Wray, Fleming’s sister-in-law, was found dead inside the home where the Fleming was seen exiting.
“Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” police said Tuesday in a statement.
The circumstances surrounding the officer involved shooting are currently under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The officers were identified as Thomas Baker and John Neal, “who bravely protected our community under extremely stressful conditions,” police said.
The officers, who were not injured, have been placed on administrative leave, which is protocol, while FDLE conducts a thorough investigation.
“We want to thank our community for the numerous messages of support to our officers and department,” police said.
A neighbor told News 6 reporter James Sparvero that she heard the shots Friday morning.
“I heard a bunch of pops, and then I went and got my daughter and told her to get on the ground since I saw that there was gunfire,” Lindsey Welch said. “And we saw the guy outside, so I guess they took him out.”
Welch called the situation “extremely scary.”
“We were shaking for sure,” the mother said. “I was more worried about my daughter and her safety and just trying to make sure that no bullets came through the windows, and I was afraid for my neighbor because it happened right across the street from me so I was worried about her.”
Sky 6 flew over the scene before noon. Watch it again in the video player below or by clicking here.
Note: This map depicts the general area of this scene and not necessarily its exact location.
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