Serial Felon Goes on Violent Multiple Robbery Crime Spree in South Brevard County on Friday

By  //  July 2, 2021

PERP ROBBED WALMART, HOME DEPOT AND BEST BUY; Stabbed store worker with screw driver

West Melbourne police has charged 50-year-old Randall Keith Kearse with a laundry list of crimes after violent robberies and felony batteries at  Walmart, Home Depot and Best Buy on Friday. (WMPD image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – West Melbourne police has charged a 50-year-old man with a laundry list of crimes after violent robberies and felony batteries at  Walmart, Home Depot and Best Buy on Friday.

According to West Melbourne Police Sgt. Graig Erenstoft, the crime spree began just after 10 a.m. as Randall Keith Kearse entered the Walmart on Palm Bay Road and filled up two carts of merchandise totaling more tan $1,500.

Sgt. Erenstoft said Kearse then exited the store without paying and was confronted by an employee. After a brief struggle over the merchandise, Kearse punched the employee and fled the scene before to police arrived.

“Unable to leave with the merchandise, Kearse made his way to the Home Depot on US Route 192,” said Sgt. Erenstoft. “Once at the store, Kearse again selected multiple items and attempts to leave the without paying.”

Sgt. Erenstoft said a Home Depot associate identified Kearse due to his priors and attempted to stop him from leaving with the merchandise and he once again became violent.

“He (Kearse) punched a 74-year-old female cashier, knocking her to the ground and stabbed another associate with a screw driver,” said Sgt. Erenstoft. “He then is seen getting into a white 4-door vehicle and leaving the area.”

Officers from the West Melbourne and Melbourne Police Departments, and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, conducted an extensive search for Kearse and the vehicle.

Meanwhile, Kearse then went to the Best Buy in Melbourne where he was able to steal several high dollar pieces of electronics and fled the area.

“Just before 12:30 p.m., the vehicle and Kearse were located by Melbourne police officers on Reddick Street where Kearse was taken into custody,” said Sgt. Erenstoft.

West Melbourne police have charged Kearse with armed robbery, robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of felony battery, grand theft, resisting a merchant and violation of probation.  He will be held at the Brevard County Jail on no bond.

According to Sgt. Erenstoft, Kearse has an extensive criminal history in Brevard County: Attempted Robbery, Burglary, Felony Battery, Grand Theft (Multiple), Dealing in Stolen Property, Giving False Verification of Ownership to Pawnbroker, Violation of State Probation (Multiple) Violation of State Community Control, Criminal Mischief Retail Theft (Multiple) Trespass Fail Leave Property Upon Warning By Owner, Driving while License Suspended (Multiple) and Resisting Arrest without Violence (Multiple).

HOT OFF THE PRESS! June 21, 2021 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best NewspaperRelated Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! June 21, 2021 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper