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William J Banks Jr.

Gender : Male

Age : 47

Race : Black

Date : 06/26/2024

Location : Babcock Street and Strawbridge Avenue

City : Babcock Street and Strawbridge Avenue

County : Melbourne

State : Florida

Agency : Melbourne Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during “suspicious person” call

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 06/26/2024, Melbourne Police responded to a call about a “suspicious person” near the intersection of Babcock Street and Strawbridge Avenue in Melbourne, Florida. Officers located William J. Banks Jr., 47, and claimed an exchange of gunfire occurred. Police shot and killed Banks during the encounter.
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The landlord of the property where Banks was found described him as an excellent tenant and a positive individual, expressing confusion about how the situation escalated to a fatal outcome. Police have not provided evidence to substantiate their claim of a shootout, and no body-worn camera footage or other recordings have been released. Key details, including what prompted the use of lethal force and whether any attempts at de-escalation were made, remain unknown.
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The Melbourne Police Department has announced an internal investigation but has not disclosed a timeline for the release of its findings or whether the involved officers remain on duty.
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NUMBER OF CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: 1 fatality.
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Last update: 12/03/2024

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.wesh.com/article/melbourne-police-active-shooter-situation/61420863