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PALM BAY, FL – A 37-year-old Palm Bay resident was arrested early on December 21 after allegedly discharging a firearm from his vehicle while driving through a local neighborhood to view Christmas lights, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Palm Bay Police Department.
Clyde Michael Gibson IV faces a second-degree felony charge of discharging a firearm from a vehicle under Florida Statute 790.15(2). He was booked into the Brevard County Jail with a bond set at $5,000. Court records indicate his next appearance is scheduled at the Viera Courthouse.
The incident began around 12:24 a.m. when officers responded to reports of gunfire near 684 Osmosis Drive. Dispatchers described a white Toyota RAV4 SUV fleeing the scene toward DeGroodt Road. Corporal Billy Weatherman spotted the vehicle matching the description and followed it to a residential driveway on Titan Road.
Officers conducted a felony traffic stop, detaining Gibson, the driver, and an unidentified passenger. In plain view inside the 2020 white Toyota RAV4, authorities observed two firearms—including a rifle in the backseat—along with several spent casings.
After waiving his Miranda rights, Gibson initially claimed he and his friend were heading to a Circle K store and had detoured through the neighborhood to look at Christmas decorations, denying any involvement in the shooting. However, upon further questioning, he admitted to firing three rounds from his personal handgun through the vehicle’s open sunroof while in the Osmosis Drive area.
Gibson told officers he wanted to “blow off steam” and chose the location because he believed “The Compound”—a sprawling, undeveloped section of southwestern Palm Bay—was a safe spot for such activity. He also confessed to being the only one who fired shots and said he had recently purchased the guns from his passenger.
The Compound, also known as “The Grid” or “Street Patterns,” spans approximately 2,942 acres of mostly privately owned land. Despite its undeveloped status, the area has long been plagued by illegal activities, including dumping, off-roading, and crime, prompting city officials to repeatedly warn that it is not a public recreation space. In recent years, Palm Bay leaders have discussed redevelopment plans, including proposals for office and manufacturing centers to revitalize the troubled neighborhood.
No injuries or victims were reported in the incident. Gibson was transported to the Palm Bay Police Department for processing before being turned over to Brevard County Sheriff’s deputies.
The Palm Bay Police Department has not released additional details, including the identity of the passenger or whether charges are pending against them. The case remains under investigation.
This arrest highlights ongoing concerns about safety in undeveloped areas like The Compound, where illegal firearm use, murders and other violations continue despite city efforts to curb such behavior. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to local authorities.
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