PALM BAY, Fla. — Palm Bay police continue to investigate after a series of incidents Sunday morning involving a traffic stop, an exchange of gunshots and a suspect who was caught after fleeing from officers.

No officers were injured.

According to Palm Bay Police Chief Nelson Moya, the incident started with a 3:29 a.m. traffic stop after calls about a reckless driver near Snapdragon Drive in the gated subdivision Parkside West.

That is in the area of Malabar Road and St. Johns Heritage Parkway.


What You Need To Know

  • Law enforcement agencies have located suspect after traffic stop, exchange of gunfire, escape

  • Incident started with 3:29 a.m. traffic stop near Snapdragon Drive 

  • No officers injured; the suspect was identified as Joseph Martin Martinez

Four officers located the suspicious vehicle and conducted the stop. Within two minutes, there was an exchange of gunfire, said Moya.

Authorities said a suspect tried to flee in the vehicle before running off on foot. Police chased him and used a Taser on the suspect, but he still managed to get away into a wooded area.

Through their investigation and search of the vehicle, police determined there is a subject unaccounted for named Joseph Martin Martinez.

Martinez, from Lake Worth, was taken into custody Sunday afternoon.

Police said Joseph Martin Martinez is a person of interest after this morning's traffic stop, gunfire and suspect pursuit in Palm Bay. (Palm Bay PD)

The Brevard and Osceola Sheriff’s offices, as well as Melbourne police and FWC are all assisted in the search for Martinez.

"I am grateful for the men and women that came to our assistance today from the various law enforcement organizations," Moya said in a statement Sunday afternoon. "The successful capture of this suspect is due to their resilience and their true professionalism."

Martinez was charged with violation of probation for a previous armed carjacking case, officials said.

Charges against him stemming from Sunday's incident are forthcoming.

The officers involved were placed on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation into the incident.