COCOA, Fla. — Chaos and fear gripped a Cocoa neighborhood Monday afternoon after dozens of gunshots shattered the calm along Clearlake Road, leaving three people wounded in what investigators are calling a targeted ambush attack.
The shooting happened around 4:30 p.m., according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). Sheriff Wayne Ivey said a parked vehicle became the target when another car pulled up, blocked it in, and several suspects jumped out and opened fire in a barrage of bullets that sent people scrambling for cover.
“This was an ambush — a violent, targeted attack,” Sheriff Ivey said. “Dozens of rounds were fired. It’s a miracle no one was killed.”
Scene of chaos and panic
Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the sound of automatic gunfire echoed down the busy roadway. Several businesses nearby went into lockdown, and residents said they hit the floor to avoid stray bullets.
“I thought it was fireworks at first,” said one Clearlake Road business owner. “Then I saw people running and cars speeding off — it was pure panic.”
Responding deputies arrived within minutes, finding three people suffering from gunshot wounds inside the targeted vehicle. All three victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they were listed in stable condition Tuesday morning. Their names have not yet been released.
“Dozens of shots fired”
Investigators marked dozens of shell casings at the scene, stretching across several yards of roadway. The sheer number of rounds fired, officials said, shows how deliberate and dangerous the assault was.
Sheriff Ivey confirmed that detectives are reviewing surveillance video from surrounding businesses and nearby residences to identify the suspects and the vehicle used in the ambush. “This was not random. The shooters knew exactly who they were after,” Ivey said.
Residents shaken but determined
Residents along Clearlake Road said they are shaken by the violence, describing the incident as one of the most intense shootings they’ve ever heard in the area.
“Bullets were flying everywhere,” said one witness who lives nearby. “I just hit the ground and prayed.”
Several community members are now calling for increased patrols and better lighting along the stretch of Clearlake Road, an area that has seen occasional violent incidents in recent years.
Investigation underway
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Cocoa Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Detectives are pursuing multiple leads and believe the suspects may have fled the area in a dark-colored vehicle, though no arrests have been made.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or video evidence to come forward. Tips can be shared anonymously through Brevard County CrimeLine at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
Sheriff Ivey’s message to the community
Sheriff Ivey emphasized that the violence will not be tolerated and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
“Our deputies, our community, and our partners in law enforcement are united in finding these suspects,” Ivey said. “If you think you can commit this kind of reckless violence in Brevard County and get away with it, you are absolutely wrong. We will find you.”
A community on edge
As investigators comb through evidence, residents remain on edge but are thankful that no bystanders were killed. Clearlake Road, a busy corridor lined with small shops and residential areas, was shut down for several hours Monday evening as detectives gathered evidence.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly violence can erupt, even in broad daylight, and how critical it is for the community to stand together in the face of such events.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Authorities are expected to release additional updates as more information becomes available.