MELBOURNE, Fla. – The owner and operator of a Melbourne Square Mall food court restaurant who was killed in Saturday's shooting has been identified by police.
Initial reports indicate Leonardo Coppola, 36, was attempting to move Idanerys Garcia-Rodriguez out of harm's way when he was shot, according to Melbourne police.
Police from all over Brevard County rushed to the mall after 911 calls came in Saturday morning.
But by the time police stormed the food court, police said gunman Jose Garcia-Rodriguez was already dead. His wife, Idanerys Garcia-Rodriguez, was shot and survived, but Coppola, who was also shot, died.
Police were proud of how every agency -- from mall security up to the FBI -- worked together to clear the scene. Officers quickly identified the threat and contained the situation. They then conducted a store-to-store search of the mall for additional suspects, any other possible injured victims, witnesses and conducted an evacuation, police said.
"Doesn't matter what color uniform or badge you wear, if you're (a law enforcement officer) you band together, and going to try and stop the threat before the threat becomes worse," Pryce said.
Police said the nearly 100 people inside the mall did the right thing to save themselves. No other mall employees or customers were reported hurt during the incident.
"Some people that heard the shots locked themselves in closets. For the most part people were cooperating, followed directions," Pryce said.
The shooting remains under investigation. Anyone who may have information that could help detectives solve this case is asked to call Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Calls to Crimeline are anonymous and tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward, police said.