Police identify suspect in West Melbourne officer-involved shooting

Officer uninjured, police say

WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. – An officer-involved shooting was reported in West Melbourne Friday evening, police department officials said.

West Melbourne police said Saturday that officers were called to the Kohl's in Hammock Landing, a shopping center on Palm Bay Road just after 6 p.m. Friday about a theft.

Before officers arrived at the store, they were notified about an employee who was chasing the suspect on foot before he got into a red Nissan and fled toward Norfolk Parkway, police said.

A responding officer who happened to be entering the shopping center from Norfolk Parkway saw the fleeing vehicle at a four-way stop, police said. The officer got out of his vehicle, drew his gun and gave the driver, later identified as 35-year-old Christopher Stringer, verbal commands, according to police.

When Stringer did not follow the commands and began driving toward the officer, who said he feared for his life, the officer shot at him multiple times, police said. Stringer got away.

Police said around 6:30 p.m., officers were notified by Palm Bay police that a man who had been shot was at the Palm Bay Community Hospital on Malabar Road. Palm Bay officers told West Melbourne police that a red Nissan that had damage that appeared to be from a shooting was in the parking lot.

Officers said they made contact with Stringer inside the hospital, where he was being treated for gunshot wounds before he was transferred to another hospital.

Police said detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Stringer, charging him with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, retail theft, resisting a retail merchant and driving on a suspended license with knowledge. 

A judge ordered that Stringer be held without bond after he is released from the hospital, police said.

The officer involved in the shooting, whose identity was not immediately released, was not injured, according to police.

He was put on administrative leave following the incident pending the outcome of the investigation, department officials said.

The shooting is being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, West Melbourne police said. The outcome of their investigation will be turned over to the State Attorney's Office, where officials will review the case and determine whether the officer's use of force was appropriate under state law, West Melbourne police said.

West Melbourne police will conduct an internal investigation once the criminal investigation concludes to review the officer's actions as they relate to the department's policy, officials said.


Recommended Videos