Merritt Island man arrested after firing gun during police chase and jumping into the river - The Space Coast Rocket

Merritt Island man arrested after firing gun during police chase and jumping into the river

Published on

February 24, 2024

By Robert W. Burns III

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47-year-old Nickolaos Henke of Merritt Island has been arrested after fleeing from law enforcement and firing his gun early Saturday.

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According to police, they were called to investigate a suspicious vehicle parked alongside 528 near Kelly Park East in Merritt Island.

While investigating, Nickolaos emerged from the woods where a homeless camp is located. He entered the Chevy S-10 and took off after giving a false name. He had an active warrant for failure to appear.

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After a short vehicle pursuit, he abandoned the vehicle and dove into the river. That’s when police say he warned him that he had a gun and fired it.

Two deputies suffered minor injuries during the pursuit.

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Henke’s charges include aggravated assault against law enforcement with a firearm, resisting arrest without violence, providing a false name to law enforcement officers and improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon.

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