Newly released police body-camera footage shows the chaotic arrest of a man accused of a Friday shooting spree that left two men dead in Miami-Dade County and another person wounded in Brevard County. The video, recorded during the arrest in Cocoa, captures officers shouting commands at the suspect, firing Tasers multiple times and releasing a K-9 before finally subduing him after a brief scuffle. Police have identified the suspect as 35-year-old Dennard Isaiah Barnes, who detectives say is linked to killings in Miami Gardens and North Miami and remains jailed without bond.
Bodycam Shows Tense Takedown In Cocoa
In the newly released footage, Cocoa officers confront Barnes after an apparent Brevard County shooting, catching up with him near a van as they yell for him to get on the ground. In the clip, officers say they felt threatened when the suspect allegedly tried to run them over with the van and then appeared to attempt to enter an apartment. Multiple officers can be seen and heard deploying Tasers before the man is finally restrained and taken into custody, an account and video described by NBC6.
Victims And Family Reaction
Authorities say the shootings killed 45-year-old Gabriel Floyd Hubbert in Miami Gardens and 35-year-old Joshua Nelson in North Miami. Family members told reporters both men were fathers. Nelson’s mother told NBC6 she tried to perform CPR on her son and that Barnes had once been a friend who “sat at my table and ate.” Detectives say the suspect was known to both victims and that they are still working to determine a motive.
Charges And Court Status
Prosecutors say Barnes faces a range of serious charges tied to the Miami-Dade and Brevard County shootings, including attempted murder and battery on a law-enforcement officer, and that the state is seeking to keep him held without bond. A prosecutor also warned that “he’s a danger to the community,” according to WFTV. Court records indicate Barnes has already made a first appearance in Brevard County following his arrest in Cocoa.
Investigators Ask The Public For Tips
Police in Cocoa, Miami Gardens and North Miami say they are coordinating closely on the multi-county probe and are asking anyone with information or relevant video to come forward. Investigators previously said they identified the suspect’s vehicle, a white 2023 Dodge Ram van, on surveillance footage and used that lead to track it to Cocoa, as reported by Local 10. Officials are urging residents to contact their local police departments or CrimeLine with tips.
What’s Next
Investigators say the motive for the shootings is still unknown and are asking for patience as detectives piece together three shootings that unfolded within hours of one another. Authorities say more details will be released as the investigation moves forward, and prosecutors are expected to file formal charges in the coming days.
