Palm Bay Police Shoot Armed Robber
PALM BAY, Florida - A Palm Bay police officer with the Crime Suppression Unit who responded to an armed
robbery in progress shot and wounded a suspect during a confrontation last night.
At 11:04 p.m. on Tuesday, a citizen called to report a suspect wearing a mask
entering the Walgreen's located at 1160 Malabar Road in Palm Bay, Florida. Moments later,
multiple 911 calls were received from witnesses reporting a gunman
inside the Walgreen's holding the pharmacist at gunpoint in an apparent
robbery.
Palm Bay Patrol officers and CSU officers arrived on scene while the
crime was still in progress. As the suspect fled the store and
encountered officers, shots were fired and the male gunman was wounded.
He was airlifted to the hospital as a trauma alert. His condition is
unknown at the time of the latest advisory from the Palm Bay Police Department.
Detectives with the Major Case
Unit are investigating the robbery and the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement is conducting an investigation into the police shooting -
which is protocol. The identity of the wounded suspect is not yet
confirmed and the identity of the officer involved in the shooting is
also being withheld at this time.
No other injuries were reported and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Central Florida Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
Callers can remain anonymous and can be eligible for
cash rewards of up to $1,000 in this case.
UPDATE: The suspect in a police shooting is identified as 20-year-old Kenneth Kirwan Jr. of West Melbourne, Florida. Kirwan is listed in critical condition at the hospital.
Detectives are continuing the investigation into the armed robbery and felony charges are pending for the suspect.
UPDATE: The suspect in a police shooting is identified as 20-year-old Kenneth Kirwan Jr. of West Melbourne, Florida. Kirwan is listed in critical condition at the hospital.
Detectives are continuing the investigation into the armed robbery and felony charges are pending for the suspect.