COCOA POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Yvonne Martinez, Public Information Officer, 321-243-7812

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2022 3 PM

STATEMENT FROM CHIEF COLLIER REGARDING OFFICER ARREST

We are saddened by the events of the last 24 hours involving two of our officers. At approximately 10:30 PM Wednesday, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and crisis negotiators responded to Officer Pat Kelly’s home in Viera where he was involved in a domestic disturbance with another Cocoa Police Officer. Officer Kelly was armed and was actively shooting inside of the home. After several hours, Officer Kelly surrendered without further incident. There were no injuries.
 
While there are those in the community that will take this opportunity to attribute the actions of Officer Kelly to current departmental leadership, Officer Kelly was previously arrested back in 2017 for felony domestic violence battery. After those charges were dropped, Officer Kelly was allowed to remain with the Department.  He has been with the department since 12/10/2007, and is now suspended without pay, pending termination. 
 
Cocoa Police Officers are held to the highest levels of professional and moral conduct and Officer Kelly’s actions do not represent the men and women of this agency who take pride in their job every day to protect and serve our community.
 
We are grateful for the quick and professional response from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in facilitating a peaceful resolution of the standoff and we will move forward by providing support to the Cocoa police officer and victim who shared the home with Officer Kelly.