Merritt Island, FL – A routine day turned into a scene of chaos and violence in the parking lot of a Walmart in Merritt Island, Brevard County, as law enforcement officials responded to a distressing altercation that led to the arrest of Luis Moises Ortiz-Roman on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) was flooded with 911 calls from alarmed witnesses reporting a violent struggle inside a maroon minivan. Upon arrival, deputies were informed that the vehicle involved was seen speeding away from the scene, with a male covered in blood making a desperate escape from it.
In a prompt response to the emergency, Deputy Chandler Davis spotted the aforementioned vehicle, a Dodge Caravan, attempting to flee the area. The suspect, later identified as Luis Moises Ortiz-Roman, a homeless man residing in Orlando, halted the vehicle abruptly and surrendered to the authorities, although the van continued to roll, nearly missing a deputy and colliding with a patrol car.
Ortiz-Roman, 28, was found to be drenched in blood but bore no visible injuries. He was apprehended without further incidents. A subsequent search led to the discovery of Troy Edmond Manning, the victim, who was found severely injured with multiple stab and puncture wounds. Manning was swiftly transported to Cape Canaveral Hospital and later airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center, highlighting the severity of his condition.