Late-Night Confrontation in Brevard County Leaves One Dead—Authorities Tight-Lipped on Circumstances as Community Demands Answers

TITUSVILLE, FL – A 30-year-old man, Tri-Marea Charles, was shot and killed by Titusville police officers late Friday night during what authorities described as a tense and potentially dangerous confrontation in a residential neighborhood.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has launched a full investigation into the shooting, which occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m. in the area of Robbins Avenue, a quiet residential street in northern Titusville.

According to a statement released by the Titusville Police Department (TPD), officers responded to a 911 call reporting a suspicious incident shortly after 9 p.m. Upon arrival, they encountered an armed individual—later identified as Tri-Marea Charles—and the situation quickly escalated.

At some point during the interaction, shots were fired.

Charles was struck by gunfire and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

No officers were injured in the incident.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to process forensic evidence, while the FDLE is leading the formal investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Authorities have not yet confirmed what led to the shooting, who fired their weapons, or whether body camera footage captured the encounter.

The Titusville Police Department has referred all inquiries to FDLE, stating that more details will be released pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Community Reacts as Questions Mount Over Fatal Police Shooting

News of the fatal officer-involved shooting has sparked concern and debate within the Titusville community, with some residents demanding transparency and answers from law enforcement.

Community activist Shawn Porter, a longtime advocate for police accountability in Brevard County, urged the Titusville Police Department to release body camera footage and dispatch recordings as soon as possible.

“Whenever we have an officer-involved shooting, we need immediate transparency. The people deserve to know what happened, and we want to see the footage,” Porter said in a statement.

Local resident Angela Williams, who lives just a few blocks from where the shooting occurred, described a chaotic and intense scene Friday night.

“I was watching TV when I heard all these sirens,” Williams recalled. “Then I saw flashing lights and officers running up and down the street. It felt like something big was going on, but nobody would tell us anything.”

Titusville Police Chief John Lau, in a brief statement Saturday morning, expressed his condolences to Charles’ family but declined to provide specifics about the shooting, citing the active investigation.

“Our thoughts are with everyone involved in this tragic event. We are fully cooperating with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation,” Chief Lau stated.

What Led to the Shooting? Authorities Remain Tight-Lipped as Investigation Continues

While official details remain scarce, law enforcement sources have confirmed that Charles was armed at the time of the confrontation.

However, what type of weapon he allegedly had, whether he fired at officers, or if he pointed the weapon in a threatening manner has not been publicly disclosed.

FDLE spokesperson Gary Bowling emphasized that investigators are currently reviewing officer body-worn camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing forensic evidence to piece together exactly what transpired.

“We understand the public’s desire for information, but it is important that we conduct a thorough and independent investigation. Our goal is to provide an accurate account of what happened,” Bowling said.

Who Was Tri-Marea Charles? Family and Friends Speak Out

Tri-Marea Charles, 30, was a longtime resident of Titusville and was known to frequent the neighborhood where the shooting occurred.

According to social media posts from family members, Charles had struggled in recent years but was working to get his life back on track.

His cousin, Deandre Mitchell, described him as a caring individual who sometimes found himself in difficult situations.

“Tri had his ups and downs, but he didn’t deserve this. He was trying to turn his life around, and now he’s gone,” Mitchell wrote on Facebook.

Others, however, painted a more complicated picture, with some acknowledging that Charles had a history of run-ins with law enforcement.

Public records indicate that Charles had prior arrests in Brevard County, including charges related to trespassing and resisting arrest without violence.

However, none of his previous charges involved violent offenses or the use of a firearm.

FDLE and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Handling Investigation—What Happens Next?

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the independent investigation into the shooting, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings in Florida.

Investigators are expected to:
✔ Review officer body camera footage
✔ Analyze forensic evidence, including ballistic reports
✔ Interview responding officers and eyewitnesses
✔ Examine 911 call recordings and dispatch logs

Once FDLE completes its investigation, its findings will be submitted to the Brevard County State Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether the officers’ use of force was justified or if criminal charges are warranted.

In the meantime, the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Recent Trends: Increase in Officer-Involved Shootings Across Florida

The fatal shooting of Tri-Marea Charles comes amid a rise in officer-involved shootings across Florida in recent years.

According to FDLE data, there were over 90 police shootings in Florida in 2024, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

Law enforcement agencies have attributed the uptick to rising gun violence, mental health crises, and an increase in confrontations between armed suspects and officers.

However, civil rights groups argue that some of these shootings could be prevented through better de-escalation training, non-lethal intervention tactics, and increased transparency in policing.

What Happens Next? Awaiting Further Details

As investigators work to uncover the full details of the shooting, the Titusville community remains on edge, awaiting official updates from law enforcement.

Many are calling for:
📌 The immediate release of body camera footage
📌 A transparent investigation with full accountability
📌 Community discussions on policing and de-escalation tactics

Meanwhile, a vigil for Tri-Marea Charles is being planned by local activists, who say they want to honor his life while calling for justice and transparency.