MELBOURNE, Fla. – Stone Magnet Middle School in Melbourne was locked down Tuesday after an officer at the school heard gunshots nearby, leading to a homicide investigation, according to the police department.
In a news release, police said the gunshots were heard east of the school’s campus at 12:12 p.m., causing the school to immediately go into shelter-in-place status as additional officers responded to the scene.
Later, investigators said they discovered that someone had been shot at the Tip Top Mini Mart at 3004 Monroe Street — less than half a mile from the school.
Upon arrival, officers found a man dead inside the store, police said. The man was identified by police as Craig S. Dewberry, 27, of Palm Bay, and officials said he was not associated with the Tip Top Mini Mart or the middle school.
“Initial witnesses reported several people running and several vehicles speeding away from the area,” the release reads. “The area was searched with a police K-9 and police officers.”
But no details about the suspected shooter are known.
University Boulevard was closed from Lipscomb Street to Main Street for over two hours. In addition, Monroe Street remains closed from University Boulevard to America Street, police announced.
Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at 321-608-6731. Alternatively, tips can be made to Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-8477.
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