Categories: Merritt Island

Merritt Island Man Shot By Deputies Identified

Emanuel Poplos

MERRITT ISLAND, Florida — The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office released the names of the individuals involved in the domestic violence incident on Merritt Island that led to a deputy-involved shooting yesterday afternoon.

The Merritt Island man who was shot by deputies was identified as 57-year-old William Emanuel Poplos of 490 Belair Avenue where the incident took place. The domestic violence victim is Poplos’ 82-year-old fiancé. However, she is not being identified by the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Tod Goodyear said that the investigation to date has determined that the Sheriff’s Office was called by Poplos’ fiancé at 4:42 p.m. after Poplos allegedly threatened her with a gun before firing three rounds into the kitchen wall. The victim was able to escape from the residence after the shooting, whereupon she immediately contacted law enforcement.

Deputies responded to the area and cordoned-off the residence while evacuating nearby residents. Deputies made contact with Poplos by phone and a brief negotiation took place. Poplos indicated that he was leaving the residence, at which time he was told to put the firearm down by deputies.

Deputies say that Poplos advised that he was going to bring a firearm outside with him. As Poplos exited the residence, he allegedly threatened the deputies with the firearm. The deputies responded to the threat by firing their weapons – striking Poplos – who was later transported to Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach, Florida where he was later pronounced deceased.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office said that the following deputies discharged their firearms during this incident:

Deputy Frank Sarivola, who is an eight-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, with two years prior experience working for the Department of Corrections.

Deputy Richard Lemons, who is a six-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and a member of the S.W.A.T. team.

Deputy James Simon, who has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for three years.

Deputy Mark Spencer, who is a two-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Chase Jicha has been with the Sheriff’s Office for one year.

All deputies are currently on paid administrative leave, which is a common practice in incidents of this nature. Poplos’ autopsy is being conducted today at the Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office.