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.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.