Melbourne Police Arrest Justin Steven Gentgen After Fleeing Crime Scene, Injures Police Officer

By  //  July 8, 2019

Gentgen intentionally struck the arresting officer

Melbourne police officers arrested Justin Steven Gentgen, 33, and charged him with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest with Violence and Felony Retail Theft. (BCSO image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Melbourne police officers arrested Justin Steven Gentgen, 33, and charged him with Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest with Violence and Felony Retail Theft.

According to Melbourne Police Lt. Steven Sadoff, the incident began when officers responded to Bealls Outlet on Sunday about 10:22 a.m. in reference to a retail theft in progress.

“The suspect fled from store staff and left the immediate area and was quickly located a few blocks from the store by officers,” said Lt. Sadoff.

“While being taken into custody, the suspect intentionally struck the arresting officer and injured her. He then attempted to flee on foot.”

A struggle then ensued and Gentgen was able to pull away and continued to flee the area. Melbourne officers, with the assistance of Indian Harbour Beach police officers, established a perimeter.

In addition, MPD’s K-9 Unit and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit were deployed. However, Gentgen was unable to be located at that time.

Later that afternoon, officers were informed that Gentgen was seen near his residence in Indian Harbor Beach and he again fled prior to police arrival.

“At approximately 4:50 p.m., the suspect was located by the Satellite Beach Police Department in the area of 480 Cinnamon Drive,” said Lt. Sadoff. “The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.”

Gentgen was transported to the Melbourne Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division to meet with Detectives. He will then be transported and turned over to the Brevard County jail.

The officer involved in the struggle was transported to a local medical facility to be treated for injuries suffered during the incident.

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