The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office released the name of the man involved in the domestic violence incident that led to an officer involved shooting on September 6, 2011. The man is identified as 42-year-old Heriberto Jimenez. The victim is his 45-year-old girlfriend; however, she is not being identified. Prior to this incident, the couple lived at 4226 Andover Cay Blvd., Orlando, Florida.
The investigation to date has determined that the incident stemmed from a breakup of the relationship. As the incident developed, the victim believed she was going to an Orlando area bank in order for Jimenez to withdraw money to repay a debt.
Once in the vehicle, the victim was allegedly forced by Jimenez to accompany him to Brevard County. As the vehicle pulled onto a beach access located near Patrick Air Force Base, the victim exited the vehicle in an attempt to escape. Jimenez then chased after the victim, catching her and forcibly dragging her back into the vehicle. This was observed by witnesses who called 911.
As deputies responded, they observed what they believed to be Jimenez’s vehicle, which was now traveling westbound on Pineda Causeway. As Sergeant Mike Brown attempted to stop the vehicle, he observed an ongoing disturbance between Jimenez and the victim. The driver, Heriberto Jimenez, refused to stop, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into the Indian River.
Sergeant Brown immediately entered the river and approached the vehicle, which was partially submerged in approximately 4 feet of water. As Sergeant Brown approached, he observed Jimenez stabbing the female passenger. Sergeant Brown ordered Jimenez to stop. Jimenez refused to comply, which forced Sergeant Brown to use deadly force and shoot Jimenez to stop further injury to the victim.
Deputy Colby Woodward then pulled the victim from the vehicle and carried her to the bank to initiate medical attention. The victim was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center. It was determined that the victim received approximately 31 stab wounds to her right lower abdomen, right arm and left side. The victim remains in the hospital in stable condition. Deputy Woodward received lacerations as he removed the victim from the vehicle, requiring medical attention. Deputy Woodward was treated and later released.
Sergeant Michael Brown is a 23-year veteran and Deputy Colby Woodward is a two-year veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Both deputies are currently on paid administrative leave, which is a common practice in incidents of this nature.
OTHER CRIME STORIES:
