Brevard Law Enforcement, Federal Agents Bust Suspected 3D Gun Operation at Rockledge Home

By Space Coast Daily // September 25, 2025

33-year-old Patrick Carman of Rockledge charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition by a felon

A 33-year-old Rockledge man was arrested Wednesday after authorities discovered he was allegedly using a 3D printer to manufacture firearms inside his home. Authorities identified the homeowner as Patrick Carman, who reportedly told officers he viewed the gun production as a “fun project.”

BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA — A 33-year-old Rockledge man was arrested Wednesday after authorities discovered he was allegedly using a 3D printer to manufacture firearms inside his home.

Authorities identified the homeowner as Patrick Carman, who reportedly told officers he viewed the gun production as a “fun project.”

According to an arrest affidavit, Carman also claimed that his girlfriend had taken some of the weapons.

Officers with the Rockledge Police Department were called to the 800 block of Pennsylvania Avenue on Sept. 24 to investigate reports of stolen weapons.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the firearms in question had been produced in the residence using a 3D printer.

The discovery prompted a significant law enforcement presence. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the county’s bomb squad, and a hazardous materials team all responded to the scene due to concerns about possible explosive or dangerous materials.

Carman, a convicted felon, was taken into custody and charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition by a felon.

He was booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex in Sharpes and is expected to make his first court appearance on Thursday, Sept. 25.

Authorities said the investigation remains active as they continue to review evidence seized from the property.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Sept. 24, 2024

BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA — A quiet Rockledge neighborhood turned into the center of a major law enforcement operation Wednesday as multiple agencies responded to reports of possible illegal gun manufacturing inside a home on Pennsylvania Avenue.

City officials confirmed that Rockledge police are leading the investigation, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the bomb squad, and hazardous materials teams.

Authorities said the investigation began after concerns were raised about both potential unlawful firearm production and the presence of hazardous materials in the residence.

The exact nature of those materials has not been disclosed.

Neighbors reported seeing a heavy police presence throughout the afternoon, including specialized trucks and personnel wearing protective gear.

“It’s definitely unusual for our street. We don’t usually see this kind of thing happening here,” said one nearby resident who asked not to be identified.

As of late Wednesday, officials had not released details about whether any arrests had been made, what types of firearms or equipment may have been discovered, or whether surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution.

The ATF’s involvement suggests investigators are looking into potential violations of federal firearms laws, while the presence of hazardous materials teams indicates possible safety concerns related to explosives or chemical substances used in manufacturing.

The city of Rockledge said additional information will be shared as the investigation progresses but emphasized that public safety is the top priority.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as soon as new details are confirmed.