Lou Schlenker Issues Statement In Response To Fatal Shooting On Friday, Thanks Community For Support

WATCH LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESS CONFERENCE

DURING THIS PRESS CONFERENCE, Rockledge Police Chief Joseph LaSata identified Robert Lorenzo Bailey, 28, of Cocoa, as the suspect in the shooting of two people, one fatally, in the parking lot of Schlenker’s Automotive, located on Barton Boulevard.

BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA – Lou Schlenker, the owner of Schlenker’s Automotive, issued a statement Sunday evening thanking the community for their support after the tragic fatal shooting at the longtime Rockledge business.

“In this difficult time of mourning the loss of Roger and the severe injuries that David has sustained, we would like to thank all of the community for the overwhelming support and prayers we have received,” said Schlenker.

“We know there will be a long healing process ahead of us but we want to reassure everyone that this is an organization full of dedicated, courageous, and heroic individuals serving this community.

“We will come together to support all affected and be stronger and closer then ever before as a Schlenker Automotive family. Please continue to keep the family members and friends of those impacted by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.”

During a press conference Saturday, Rockledge Police Chief Joseph LaSata identified Robert Lorenzo Bailey, 28, of Cocoa, as the suspect in the shooting of two people, one fatally, in the parking lot of Schlenker’s Automotive, located on Barton Boulevard.

Chief LaSata said Bailey entered the parking lot of Schlenker’s at about 4:30 p.m. Friday afternoon armed with a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol and several magazines of ammunition.

“Bailey had multiple magazines on his person,” said Chief LaSata during the press conference.

According to Chief LaSata, Bailey shot and killed 50-year-old Schlenker employee Roger Lee Smith as he responded to the sound of the gunshot that wounded another Schlenker employee, a 25-year-old man who has not been identified at this time.

Two Schlenker employees with concealed weapon permits returned fire as Baily entered the building, striking him twice. Baily is in critical condition at Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne.

Chief LaSata said that the investigation was ongoing and at this time there was no known connection to Bailey and anyone at Schlenker’s Automotive.

“We can’t explain what brought Bailey to the store yesterday,” said Chief LaSata. “We have no idea, and if it were not for the brave, quick thinking of the employees, this could have been much worse.”

Bailey, who is under police watch in the hospital, faces charges of premeditated murder and two counts of attempted murder.

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ABOVE MAP: One is dead and two wounded after a shooting on Friday afternoon at Schlenker’s Auto Repair Center, located at 385 Barton Boulevard. Rockledge Police Chief Joseph LaSata identified Robert Lorenzo Bailey, 28, of Cocoa, as the suspect in the shooting of two people, one fatally, in the parking lot of Schlenker’s Automotive, located on Barton Boulevard.

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