Brevard Sheriff’s Deputies Catch Armed Burglar That Literally Fell Out of Merritt Island Car Dealer Ceiling

BCSO: Suspect has a criminal history with previous arrests for burglary, theft and drug possession

36-year-old William Kevin Richards of Cocoa was charged with Armed Burglary, Grand Theft, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon and Violation of Parole

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested an armed burglar who was apprehended after he fell through the ceiling of a Merrit Island automotive dealership.

The incident happened last week when an employee, who was reporting to work at the car dealership in Merritt Island, noticed a shattered door.

According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies were immediately called to the business and located an acetylene torch that had been used to cut open a safe and a loaded revolver.

“The deputies additionally observed several ceiling tiles had been removed indicating suspect fled upwards into the ceiling,” said a BCSO spokesperson.

“As the deputies continued their search, the suspect, identified as 36-year-old, William Kevin Richards of Cocoa, fell through the ceiling and was immediately taken into custody.”

Deputies discovered that Richards was also trailing cash behind him, as he had stuffed the contents inside his pants as he had attempted to avoid being apprehended.

Richards was charged with Armed Burglary, Grand Theft, Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon and Violation of Parole.

He was transported to the Brevard County Jail where he is being held with a No Bond status.

According to BCSO, Richards was released from prison in October of 2019 after completing his sentence for multiple theft-related charges and has a criminal history with previous arrests for burglary, theft and drug possession.

“I would like to thank the attentive employee for notifying our deputies once they observed the suspicious activities and our deputies for being prepared to literally catch this offender as he fell from the ceiling,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

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