Brevard Sheriff’s Office IDs man shot, killed as deputies served narcotics warrant

Narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, were found in the home, deputies say

MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. – The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office identified the man who was shot and killed by the county’s SWAT Team as they served a narcotics warrant on Wednesday.

Investigators announced Thursday that 59-year-old Kenneth Lassiter of Melbourne Beach was shot and killed inside a home on Beverly Court.

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59-year-old Kenneth Lassiter (Brevard County Sheriff's Office)

Sheriff Wayne Ivey said that as the SWAT team entered the home and announced their presence, Lassiter entered a hallway of the home and fired a shotgun.

Investigators said the SWAT team returned fire, killing Lassiter.

According to a news release, following the exchange of gunfire, the SWAT team continued their search of the home and found a woman who had been shot. The woman was taken to the hospital where she is listed in stable condition, according to the sheriff’s office. No information was provided as to the extent of her injuries.

Investigators said narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, were found in the home.

Robert Kershaw, who lives next door to the home, told News 6 about the experience.

“The police said that he came out with a shotgun and fired at them,” Kershaw said. “I don’t want anybody to die, but you know, you take that risk.”

Kershaw added that people had reported suspicious activity at the house before the shooting ever happened.

“Drug traffic is incredible here,” Kershaw said. “All hours, day and night, they even come in by boat.”

The deputies involved in the shooting are now on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation, which is standard practice. No members of law enforcement were injured in the incident, the sheriff said.

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About the Authors:

Thomas Mates is a digital storyteller for News 6 and ClickOrlando.com. He also produces the podcast Florida Foodie. Thomas is originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania and worked in Portland, Oregon before moving to Central Florida in August 2018. He graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism in 2010.

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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