3 people shot in possible retaliatory shooting in Cocoa, Brevard County sheriff says

Sheriff: Cocoa shooting that injured 3 was targeted ambush

Gunfire erupted Monday afternoon in what Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey called a ?targeted ambush,? leaving three people wounded in a Cocoa neighborhood.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said three people were hurt in what appears to be a targeted shooting outside a small business complex Monday afternoon in Cocoa. The conditions of the 3 people shot were not immediately known.

Sheriff Ivey said the shooting was first reported around 4:30 p.m. in the area of Clearlake and Rosentine. Deputies arrived and found three people with gunshot wounds and transported them to the hospital.

‘An ambush’

What we know:

Gunfire erupted Monday afternoon in what Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey called a targeted incident, leaving three people wounded in a Cocoa neighborhood.

Deputies said two groups who knew each other exchanged gunfire. Witnesses reported hearing several shots, and deputies later found shell casings scattered across the street.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey on Cocoa shooting: Press conference

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey provides an update on a shooting that happened Monday afternoon in Cooca. Sheriff Ivey said 3 people were shot and taken to the hospital. He described the shooting as "an ambush" and believes the suspected shooters and victims knew each other. He also said it appears the shooting may have been retaliatory for something, though that was still under investigation.

"It appears that this was an ambush that took place. Some type of retaliatory thing that took place. It appears to be a very isolated incident," Sheriff Ivey told reporters at the scene.

"One of the vehicles was parked. Another vehicle pulled up, blocked it in, at which time multiple shooters got out and started firing at the vehicle that was parked," he said.

All three people shot were from the vehicle that was parked, he said, estimating that between 20–30 shots were likely fired. FOX 35 cameras captured several evidence markers on the ground. A white vehicle in the parking lot – and within the crime scene tape – appeared to have multiple gunshot holes.

Neighbor Kyle Cutler said he ran outside after hearing the shots and saw the aftermath. 

"One guy was shot up all along his leg, and another was hit in the back," he said.

What we don't know:

Sheriff Ivey said he does not know exactly how many shooters there were. He also did not have a vehicle description immediately available, though he said he would share that information as soon as he had it. All three victims were taken to a hospital, but the sheriff did not release their conditions.

What you can do:

 Investigators said the shooters fled the scene and remain at large. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline 800-423-TIPS (8477).