Melbourne Police released the name of the man that caused mayhem near downtown Melbourne this morning. Police say 47 year old William Banks Jr called 911 this morning around 8 a.m. for a well-being check.
When officers arrived to the Pentagon Apartment Complex, they say Banks opened fired on them before they made it to his front door on the 3rd floor.
Officers did not return fire, but instead took up a defensive position and waited for backup to arrive. Palm Bay Police as well as Brevard County Sheriff’s Office responded in mass shutting down Babcock St from HWY 192 to Hibiscus during heavy work traffic hours.
Police say that Banks continued to fire at responding backup officers.
He was contacted by crisis negotiators, then eventually stepped out of his apartment armed. At least 2 dozen shots could be heard when police opened fire on the suspect, killing him just in front of his front door.
No officers were injured during the entire situation. Melbourne Police released the following statement.