Devin Bradley, a 24-year-old resident of Fort Pierce, Florida, was one of the victims in a series of shootings that occurred on May 18, 2024. Bradley was an employee of the Fort Pierce Police Department, specifically working in the agency's information technology department.
The incident began with multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire and a vehicle theft in different locations within a four-block radius.
When officers responded to these calls, they encountered an armed man, later identified as Bernard Smith, 28, who had a history of violent crimes. An exchange of gunfire between Smith and the police resulted in Smith's death.
In addition to Smith, two other individuals were found dead: Devin Bradley and Roosevelt Benjamin, a 59-year-old longtime employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Bradley was found at one of the scenes, while Benjamin was discovered at his residence on Avenue P, just east of North 25th Street. A fourth individual, Craig Robinson, 50, was also shot and survived, although he was seriously injured and initially unable to speak to officers to aid in the investigation.
The investigation into the shootings is ongoing, with the Fort Pierce Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement working to determine if all the incidents are connected. As of the current reports, the motive behind the shootings remains unclear, and the case is described as "fast-moving," "complex," and "multi-faceted".
The community has been deeply affected by these tragic events, with tributes and condolences extended to the families of the victims. The city of Fort Pierce released a statement expressing sorrow and calling for community unity and support during this time of grief.
