A gunman who was shot dead in Florida after killing his grandfather and injuring two cops had just murdered a retired priest and his sister, police have said.
Officers arrived at a home in Palm Bay after receiving a routine report about a man being disruptive and damaging property during a Sunday afternoon birthday party.
A gunfight broke out which ended with Brandon Kapas, 24, dead after shooting two officers and fatally injuring his grandfather William Kapas who had tried to intervene.
Police then discovered an arsenal of weapons in his car which they found was registered to an address in the north of the city.
When they went there later that evening they found the bodies of Father Robert Hoeffner, 76, and his sister Sally in the home they shared together.
Brandon Kapas, 24, had already murdered two people by the time police in Palm Bay were called to deal with the disturbance he was causing at a family birthday party
On the other side of the city Fr Robert ‘Bob’ Hoeffner, 76, (pictured center last year) was lying dead next to his sister after being shot dead for his car by Kapas
Kapas’s grandfather William was also shot dead by his grandson after trying to calm him down
‘Our officers’ actions yesterday prevented something even more tragic and devastating from happening and potentially what could have been potentially an active shooter-type incident,’ Palm Bay police chief Mariano Angello told a press conference.
‘Our officers did what they were trained to do, and that’s neutralize and stop a threat to our community.’
News of the deaths appalled friends and colleagues of the popular Catholic priest who celebrated 50 years in the ministry only last year.
‘Throughout his priesthood, Father Hoeffner served the people of God with compassion and humility,’ said the Most Reverend John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando.
‘We will miss his grace-filled presence. We know he and his sister are received by the Lord with mercy and love.’
Kapas had a series of previous arrests dating back to at least 2019 in Brevard County for DUI and drug offenses, and resisting arrest.
Police who arrived at the home on Forgal Avenue NE at 2.30pm on Sunday were warned by his uncle that Kapas might be armed.
It was then that Kapas was seen bolting out of the front door and heading towards the stolen car.
Neighbors caught the moment police officers fired the fatal shots at Kapas
Police were then horrified to discover an arsenal of weapons in Kapas’s stolen car
Officers scrambled for cover as shots rang out in the peaceful Forgal Avenue neighborhood
Some used a patrol car door as cover to protect themselves from the bullets
Palm Bay police chief Mariano Angello told a press conference his officers had prevented ‘what could have been potentially an active shooter-type incident’
Chief Angello said he was tasered after refusing to comply with a request to stop but managed to break free during a scuffle with officers.
Two deputies were shot and injured before more officers arrived at the scene and chased Kapas up the street as he fired back at them.
The man’s grandfather was caught in the crossfire before the 24-year-old himself was shot dead.
‘It’s a very quiet neighborhood and on our street we’ve been very good at looking out for each other, so for anything to happen its shocking,’ one neighbor told Fox35.
‘It’s really scary because this is like my home area, so to see all this going on is very overwhelming,’ said another.
‘It’s too close to home.’
Father Hoeffner was born in Rochester, New York, before moving to Fort Pierce as a child, and began training for the priesthood at 14.
He founded the parish of St Isaac Jogues and was for many years the front man for the diocese’s TV broadcasts.
He became pastor of St Joseph Parish in Palm Bay where he would continue to serve the parish and school community until his retirement in 2016, and he reflected last year on the joy his career had brought him.
‘I remembered walking into a McDonalds in Georgia on a youth group excursion and someone said, ‘You’re the TV priest!’ he said.
‘The Mass was shown in five dioceses. I’m proud to have been a part of that.
‘I’ve had a glorious ride. I’m proud to serve and do wonderful things for wonderful people. I enjoy doing that.
‘I’ve spent 50 years doing absolutely incredible things and I am thankful to God for it.’
Augello said both of his injured officers were expected to recover in hospital, and he also paid tribute to the murdered priest.
‘He was a pillar of the community that I’m aware of for many, many years before his retirement,’ he said.
‘Two of our officers were shot today as a result of doing their job, and that’s to protect and serve our community and the members and our citizens of Palm Bay,’ he added.
‘We will not tolerate anybody raising their guns or any type of lethal force or aggression towards our police officers.’
Father Hoeffner celebrated 50 years in the ministry last year calling it a ‘glorious ride’
Kapas had a series of previous arrests dating back to at least 2019 in Brevard County for DUI and drug offenses, and resisting arrest
‘It’s really scary because this is like my home area, so to see all this going on is very overwhelming,’ one neighbor told Fox35
Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina also praised the injured officers.
‘I was saddened to have been informed of the tragic events in our beloved city,’ he said.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with the families that are experiencing the loss of life of their loved ones. ‘I am thankful and grateful to Father God our law enforcement officials do not have life threatening injuries.
‘They continue to exemplify service before self as they serve and protect our families.’