Man Arrested For Attempted Murder With Hammer
TITUSVILLE, Florida -- Today at 6:40 a.m., Brevard County Sheriff's Agents Ernest Cathy and Mike Traylor with the North Precinct General Crimes Unit were patrolling the north Titusville area. The agents were attempting to prevent early morning burglaries in the business district.
While driving west on Garden Street in the City of Titusville, agents observed a man walking away from an abandoned business located at 3160 Garden Street with a hammer in his hand. Believing that a crime had been committed, the agents pulled into the parking lot to talk to the man. Upon turning into the parking lot, agents observed a second man lying in a fetal position on the northwest corner of the building covered in blood.
Agents immediately confronted the man with the hammer. The man was ordered
to drop the hammer several times before finally complying. The hammer was covered in blood and the
suspect, identified as John Paul Angelillo, was detained by the detectives
until officers with the Titusville Police Department could respond.
Agents Cathy and Traylor rendered aid to victim, David James
Gotshall, until rescue units arrived.
Due to Mr. Gotshall’s critical medical condition, he was airlifted to
Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Florida. The
victim had been beaten, kicked, and struck multiple times with a hammer. The
victim suffered multiple facial and skull fractures and the loss of one eye. He
also suffered injuries to his ribs and body and possible broken bones in his
arm.
33-year old John Paul Angelillo was arrested by the Titusville
Police Department and charged with Attempted Murder. Officials say that Mr. Angelillo has been previously arrested by
Titusville Police for Cultivation of Cannabis in 2009.
Sheriff Jack Parker
stated "By being aggressive and proactive, Agents Cathy and Traylor were
able to prevent a murder, save a victim's life and put a very dangerous
criminal behind bars for what will hopefully be a very, very long time. We are
extremely proud of both of them."
Photo Credit: Titusville Police Department
The Titusville Police Department is currently attempting to locate and
identify anyone else with information regarding this investigation.
They may call Detective Jessica Edens at 321-264-7820.
Anyone with information that wishes to remain anonymous can call CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
Photo Credit: Titusville Police Department