Latest news with #MelbournePolice
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Moment man sets himself on fire in botched arson attack
Victoria Police have released footage of the moment a man tried to commit arson by setting a restaurant on fire in Melbourne on 21 May 2024. The unknown man poured liquid from a jerry can around the premises before accidentally setting his clothes on fire. Police have released the CCTV in an appeal to the public to help find the man.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Melbourne Police search for suspect after fire at Aldi construction site
The Brief An alleged arsonist is still on the run in Brevard County after allegedly setting fire to a soon-to-open Aldi grocery store. The strip mall where the Aldi is located is in Indian Harbor Beach, but Melbourne officials responded to the scene on Sunday morning. Shoppers are worried about public safety since the suspect hadn't been apprehended a day after the arson attempt. MELBOURNE, Fla. - Police in Melbourne are searching for a man suspected of setting fire to a soon-to-open Aldi grocery store on the beachside of Brevard County. What we know Melbourne police officers are actively searching for a male suspect accused of starting a fire at an under-construction Aldi grocery store in Indian Harbour Beach. The fire was reported early Sunday, prompting a joint response from local police and fire departments. Officers spent hours on scene, inspecting the grocery store's roof and nearby areas extending past the Eau Gallie Causeway and Canova Beach. The investigation also led them to a neighboring Texas Roadhouse restaurant, after staff there reported a rooftop encounter with an unknown individual around the time of the fire. What we don't know As of Monday afternoon, the suspect remains unidentified and at large. Melbourne police have not provided a description of the individual, and no motive has been released. Authorities are also uncertain whether the reported rooftop encounter at Texas Roadhouse is directly connected to the fire at Aldi. What they're saying Since the suspect hasn't been caught, people who live and work in the area are worried about community safety. "The fact that he's not caught is probably the worst thing," said Ben Scott who lives near the shopping plaza. "I'm a little scared, to be honest," said Ryley O'Connor who works at the strip mall. What you can do Anyone with information about this alleged arson is asked to contact the Melbourne Police Department or call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477) STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source FOX 35's Reporter Esther Bower messaged several people on social media who saw the large enforcement presence at the shopping plaza on Sunday. She also spoke with several shoppers who were out on May 26, 2025, a day after the alleged arson attempt. She emailed and called Melbourne police for an update on their investigation. A spokesperson called her back and provided details on May 26, 2025. She also emailed Aldi's corporate team to get an update on how the store was impacted and if this would delay the opening.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
'Choking me and scratching me': 82-year-old cab driver attacked by passenger
The Brief An 82-year-old taxi cab driver was allegedly choked by a passenger she was dropping off. The suspect was arrested and charged with one count of battery by strangulation. The driver is sharing her story to warn other taxi, Uber and Lyft drivers to be aware of their surroundings. What we know ORLANDO, Fla. - The alleged attack happened on May 2. Carol Ann Johnson was called to Circles of Care for a normal passenger pick up and drop off. Johnson says during these pickups, people released form the care facility have to be dropped off at home. This passenger, identified by police as Laway Meharie, didn't want go home and was telling Johnson to drop her off. The driver said after she started screaming in the back seat, she started choking her during the drive. Johnson fought for her life and tried to get other driver's attention by waiving her arms and yelling for help. Thankfully, she was able to pull off near North Babcock and East Brevard. Someone had called 911 seeing her in danger, and Melbourne police weren't far away. The suspect was arrested without incident, and Johnson is healing. What they're saying Johnson considers herself a survivor and is glad the suspect was arrested. "She was reaching through the seats there with her hands around my neck choking me and scratching me and just trying to do me harm," said Carol Ann Johnson. She wants other drivers to be aware and says more needs to be done to make sure dangerous people are off the street. "She shouldn't be on the street. You know, she's I would say criminally insane and willing to do harm to someone," said Johnson. The state attorney's office is working to assign a prosecutor to the case and moving forward with the charges. What we don't know It's unclear why exactly the suspect started choking Johnson. Police say, when they arrived on scene she was speaking gibberish, and officers couldn't communicate with her. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source FOX 35's Reporter Esther Bower read the police arrest report for the suspect. She emailed with the state attorney's office to get an update on where things stood with the case post arrest. She met the driver on 5/23 to discuss the attack and how she's healing.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Melbourne Police investigating multiple shootings at apartment complex in matter of days
The Brief Melbourne police officers are investigating a string of shootings at an apartment complex in a busy part of town. One shooting happened on Sunday night around 8 p.m. at the Wickham Club apartments. Another was reported on Friday to Melbourne Police. Police have arrested at least two suspects in connection with one of the shootings. There are no reports anyone was injured in either shooting, but cars and apartment units were struck by gunfire. MELBOURNE, Fla. - A pair of shootings at a Melbourne apartment complex has residents shaken and calling for stronger police presence, as authorities continue to investigate the recent violence near Parkway Drive and North Wickham Road. What we know Neighbors who live at the complex, near Parkway and Wickham, are worried and say anyone could have been caught in crossfire during the recent shootings. Neighbors showed FOX 35 where a unit was struck with bullets from the Friday shooting. They also shared pictures of a car that had bullet holes in it. Melbourne Police said Sunday's shooting call came in around 8 p.m. They arrested two people in the area, but only one was directly linked to the apartment shootout. Ke'on McCullough was taken into custody on several charges, including: carrying a concealed firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of assault. A judge set his bond on Monday at $26,000. Neighbors are asking for more police patrols in the area. What we don't know It's unclear what the motives were for either of the shootings. It's also unclear if police made an arrest from the shooting on Friday. FOX 35 News asked for a call report showing how often police had responded to the complex over the last five years but hadn't receive those numbers yet. What they're saying Residents told FOX 35 that the Friday shooting left bullet holes in apartment walls and at least one vehicle. They showed reporters photos of the damage and pointed out a unit that had been struck by gunfire. "One of the shootings went through my neighbor's window, underneath her daughter and above her daughter while she was sleeping," said a resident who asked to not be named. "The firewall stopped it from going into my wall. I don't feel safe living here anymore." Camille Tate, who has lived at the complex for 15 years, said Sunday's gunfire was unlike anything she's heard before. "Things just seem to be getting worse and worse every year," she said. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Melbourne Police Department.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
1 dead in early morning homicide, Melbourne Police Confirm
Melbourne Police have released information on a homicide that occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday. Officials say that at 1:51 am, officers responded to sounds of gunfire in the area of Vernon Pl and E New Haven Ave. Upon arrival, officers found one victim suffered from a gunshot wound. First responder teams provided medical attention, but the victim did not survive. A person of interest was identified, and at this time, there is believed to be no further outstanding threat to the general public Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
