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Melbourne, FL — October 10, 2025
A chaotic scene unfolded Friday morning near I-95 and North Wickham Road in Melbourne after deputies say a man stole a vehicle with two passengers inside, battered the driver, and then attempted to hijack multiple other vehicles before being apprehended by Brevard County Sheriff’s deputies. The Space Coast Rocket captured the aftermath of the crash and the suspect’s arrest live on Facebook.

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Initial Incident and Carjacking

According to the arrest affidavit, at approximately 8:19 a.m., Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) dispatch received a call about a crash in the northbound lanes of I-95 near mile marker 189. The initial report involved a black sedan crashing while traveling northbound, followed by calls about a vehicle theft as the suspect exited the interstate at the North Wickham Road exit.

Deputies determined that the suspect, identified as Eric Luyanda Altreche, had forcibly taken control of a vehicle against the will of the occupants. During the carjacking, Altreche allegedly pushed and elbowed the male driver in the forehead, then prevented the passengers from escaping by holding them inside the vehicle as he drove northbound on I-95. He reportedly used his arm to block one of the passengers from exiting, forcing both the front and rear passengers to remain locked inside as he drove approximately 10–15 feet with them still in the vehicle.

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Crash and Multiple Attempted Hijackings

After the two passengers managed to escape, Altreche drove off in the stolen vehicle, exiting I-95 at North Wickham Road where he crashed into another vehicle.

Following the crash, he ran to a second vehicle and entered the back passenger seat in an attempt to take control, but bystanders intervened and stopped him. Altreche then fled on foot westbound on North Wickham Road toward the intersection with Shoppes Drive, where he attempted to open the doors of a third vehicle. Witnesses say he managed to open the front passenger door and partially enter before being confronted by a concerned citizen.

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Deputies arrived on the scene to find Altreche attempting to enter a white 2018 GMC Denali truck. He refused to obey commands and continued trying to get into the vehicle, at which point deputies used a takedown technique to bring him to the ground. He was placed in handcuffs and secured in a patrol vehicle without further incident.

Medical Clearance and Jail Transport

Altreche was transported to Viera Hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex. Deputies say he declined to provide a statement during processing.

Charges Filed

Altreche faces a lengthy list of serious charges, including:

• Carjacking without a firearm or weapon – 1 count (F.S.S. 812.133.2b)
• Attempted carjacking without a firearm or weapon – 2 counts (F.S.S. 812.133.2b)
• Kidnapping to facilitate a felony – 2 counts (F.S.S. 787.01.1a2)
• False imprisonment (Adult) – 2 counts (F.S.S. 787.02.1a)
• Battery – Touch or strike (F.S.S. 784.03.1a1)
• Resisting an officer without violence (F.S.S. 843.02)

He was booked into the Brevard County Jail following medical clearance.

Community Response and Livestream

The Space Coast Rocket livestreamed the scene moments after the crash and captured Altreche’s arrest on camera. Several bystanders were seen intervening during the incident, helping prevent additional carjackings before deputies arrived.

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