The Friday shooting of 18 year old Sincere Pierce, and 16 year old AJ Crooms is the result of mistaken identity of a vehicle involved in a previous investigation with similar markings, earlier that day.
Crooms was the driver of the vehicle, with Sincere, and another passenger inside when they were reportedly directed to get out of the vehicle after backing out of a driveway. When they did not comply, an unidentified male Brevard County Deputy opened fired into the vehicle killing both Pierce and Crooms. The 3rd passenger was not shot. It is alleged that Crooms was driving towards the deputy when he opened fire.
Initial reports are there were no firearms found in the vehicle, and it appears they were unarmed, according to statements form officials.
According to sources, a similar vehicle was observed at another location in the area “acting suspiciously.” Deputies were able to get the license plate identification, which is apparently what led them to the neighborhood where the shooting occurred. The vehicle Crooms was driving was not the same vehicle deputies were looking for.
The deputy who killed the two teens has been placed on paid administrative leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conducts its investigation of the shooting.
The shooting was captured on camera from multiple sources, to include dash cam footage. We are not releasing information on the video footage until the official report is released. The FDLE has in its possession both the dash cam footage, as well as audio from the dash cam.
Officers are not allowed in Seminole County to shoot into a vehicle unless the individuals in the vehicle are actively shooting at them. Brevard County Sheriff’s department does not maintain that same policy.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office does not wear body cameras. Sheriff Wayne Ivey cites cost issues as well as privacy concerns for not having his deputies wear them.
A GoFundMe has been set up to raise funds for burial services of the victims.
UPDATE: Here is the dashcam video.
