Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy Shot to Death

Deputy Barbara Pill, photo courtesy BCSO

Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy Barbara Pill was shot and killed in the line of duty on March 6, 2012.  According to Brevard Sheriff Jack Parker, Pill stopped two theft suspects on a traffic stop in Melbourne.  She ordered them out of their vehicle, but they did not comply.  She had requested back-up and was making a radio transmission, when she was fatally shot.

Suspects Brandon Lee Bradley and Andria Michelle Kerchner fled in their SUV, but were captured several miles from the shooting.

Deputy Pill had previously worked for the Miami-Dade Police Department.  She was 52 years old and a grandmother.  Pill had over 30 years of law enforcement experience, including 10 years as a deputy sheriff in Brevard County.  She has a son who is a Melbourne Village police officer and a son who is a Brevard County sheriff’s deputy.

Brandon Bradley

Bradley had four warrants for his arrest and a criminal history that included aggravated assault, kidnapping, and narcotics violations.  Kerchner also had previous criminal charges and a warrant for her arrest

The Econo-Lodge manager at 4455 West New Haven Ave in Melbourne called 911 to report that guests in one of his rooms were stealing furniture.  He said they were leaving in a white Ford Explorer.

Deputy Pill initiated a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle at John Rodes Blvd and Silver Heron Drive.  Pill was shot at that location.  Bradley and Kerchner left that shooting scene in the white Explorer, but it was later spotted in the area of the 4000 Block of Carolwood Drive.  Multiple law enforcement agencies converged on the area.

It was reported that police used spike strips and the SUV rolled into a ditch on Turtle Mound Road and Parkway Drive.  Tear gas was introduced into the vehicle and deputies and officers approached with shields and long guns.  The pair surrendered and were taken into custody.

Bradley was charged with first degree murder, felon in possession of a firearm, armed robbery, and FTA warrants for felon in possession of a firearm, sales and possession of cocaine, carrying a concealed firearm, and resisting arrest.  He also has multiple felony probation violations.  Kerchner was charged with first degree murder, armed robbery, and a warrant for sales of a controlled substance.

Funeral services for Brevard County Deputy Barbara Pill will take place Tuesday March 13, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the Calvary Chapel, located at 2955 Minton Road in West Melbourne, FL.

Randall