Crime
Police Activity Near Cape Canaveral Hospital, No credible threat found
UPDATE: The Cocoa Beach Police Department (CBPD) is currently conducting an investigation near Cape Canaveral Hospital following reports of a suspicious incident in the area.
At this time, officials have stated there is no credible threat to public safety, and the situation remains under control.
However, as a precautionary measure, officers are conducting a thorough search of the premises to ensure the safety of hospital staff, patients, and visitors.
Authorities are advising the public to avoid the area while the investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing situation, and additional details will be provided as soon as they become available.
Law enforcement officials appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation during this time.
Earlier:
Cocoa Beach, FL – Cape Canaveral Hospital, located at 701 W Cocoa Beach Causeway, has been placed on lockdown as law enforcement officers respond to an emergency situation inside the facility.
Initial reports suggested the possibility of an active shooter, prompting a swift response from the Cocoa Beach Police Department (CBPD) and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), who have secured the perimeter and are actively investigating the incident.
While early reports indicated an armed individual inside the hospital, witnesses at the scene now suggest the situation may not involve an active shooter.
Instead, a 911 caller from the hospital lobby reportedly stated they had a weapon and intended to harm themselves and others.
Authorities have not yet confirmed these details.
Emergency medical services have been deployed to the scene.
According to police scanner traffic, CPR is actively being performed, and a trauma response has been initiated, with Life Flight en route to the hospital.
Reports indicate that authorities are searching for an elderly individual in connection with the situation.
Employees inside the hospital have reported being aware of the unfolding incident, with at least one employee stating the response is happening on their floor.
All medical emergencies are currently being diverted to other hospitals, and law enforcement urges the public to avoid the area until the situation is resolved.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.