A traffic stop in Polk County for a “minor infraction” led to the arrest of a murder suspect who was wanted by Kissimmee police in connection with a deadly shooting.
On Saturday, May 10, Kissimmee Police Department officers responded to North Central Avenue in reference to shots being fired. Upon arrival, they found a victim who had sustained a gunshot wound.
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
KPD launched a homicide investigation, which led to detectives identifying 33-year-old Melvin Rafael Pardo-Acevedo as the suspected shooter. According to police, Pardo-Acevedo had gotten into an argument with the victim that escalated, leading to the fatal shooting.
A warrant was issued for Pardo-Acevedo’s arrest.
On Wednesday, May 21, shortly after 7:20 p.m., a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw a 2012 Nissan Altima making an illegal turn near the intersection of Ronald Reagan Parkway and Rosselli Boulevard in Davenport, according to PCSO.
The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver of the Altima, identified as Pardo-Acevedo.
During the traffic stop, the deputy learned that Pardo-Acevedo had an outstanding warrant out of Osceola County, and he was placed under arrest and transported to Polk County Jail.
Pardo-Acevedo is being charged with first-degree murder with a firearm.