BREVARD: TWO DEPUTIES INJURED INVESTIGATING DOMESTIC DISPUTE
From Sheriff Wayne Ivey:
Two Brevard County Sheriff’s Office deputies were injured while trying to investigate a domestic dispute in Mims. Deputies Michael Hriciso and Marie Skinner were dispatched at approximately 11:23 A.M. to 2671 Pineapple Avenue, Mims, in reference to a disturbance. A 911 caller reported hearing what sounded like a violent argument between a man and a woman coming from the backyard of the residence. Upon arriving on scene, the deputies were denied entrance into the residence by the homeowner. Hearing the altercation in the backyard, the deputies entered the area where they observed a male and female in a heated argument. As the deputies began separating the parties, the male subject broke away and as Deputy Hriciso turned to confront him, the male produced a metal, collapsible baton, and began viciously striking Deputy Hriciso in the back of the head and face. As Deputy Hriciso fell to the ground, the male continued to strike him about the face and head. Deputy Skinner went to the aid of her downed partner at which time she was struck by the assailant in the head. Despite their injuries, the deputies were eventually able to subdue the male subject. As additional deputies arrived on the scene, the female began to interfere with the arrest of the male subject. Both deputies were transported from the scene to local hospitals and are expected to recover from their non-life threatening injuries.
22-year-old Skylar Francis was arrested and charged with two counts of Attempted Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer. Courtney Johnson, also 22-years-old, was charged with Resisting Arrest without violence. Both suspects reside in Mims with no permanent address and were transported to the Brevard County Jail where Francis is being held on No Bond and Johnson has a bond of $500.00.
Deputy Michael Hriciso, is a 17-year employee of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office with 4 years of prior service in the U.S. Navy. He has received numerous accolades during his career to include the “Medal of Valor Award” for risking his life while performing hazardous duty.
Deputy Marie Skinner is an 18-year employee with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Skinner has received numerous decorations during her career. Prior to her career with BSCO, she worked with the Titusville Police Department.
Sheriff Ivey said he was pleased to advise that both deputies are doing fine. Deputy Skinner was treated a released and Deputy Hriciso was admitted for observation and treatment, but is expected to be released in the next several days.
Please keep both deputies and their families in your thoughts and prayers as they recover over the next several days.
