Melbourne Police Officers Identified In Suicide Shooting

MELBOURNE, Florida --All three officers that fired their weapons during Monday night’s incident at Beach Club Apartments have been officially placed on administrative duty. According to police, this is standard procedure in incidents such as these.  The officers are identified as follows:

Lt Pete Mercaldo
Date of Hire
04-16-2001

Ofc Brian Cavanaugh
Date of Hire
01-26-2004

Ofc Michael Szczepanski
Date of Hire
09-08-2008

Last night at approximately 10:21P.M., Melbourne Police Officers responded to 1850 Charlesmont Drive regarding a suicidal person possibly in possession of a firearm.

Upon arrival, several officers approached the front of the apartment building where 37-year-old Ryan Wesley Radar resided.  According to police, prior to the officers arriving at the subject’s apartment, Radar exited and entered the breezeway.  Once in the breezeway, Radar encountered the officers and produced a handgun.

At that time, three officers fired at Radar, killing him.  Radar was pronounced dead at the scene.   No officers were injured during this incident.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement is on scene and assuming the investigation of the incident.

If you have any information please call Crimeline: 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) or The Melbourne Police Department’s Crime Tip Line:321-409-2259