On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Chief of Police Adam Geissenberger issued a statement following the sentencing of Calvin Brockington, who was found guilty by a jury on February 13, 2025, of two counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Hydromorphone, and Trafficking in Methamphetamines and Phenethylamines.
The initial incident occurred when a Pinellas Park Police officer was shot after responding to a call on Tuesday, April 19th, 2022, at 9:40 PM. This all began as a domestic disturbance between a male and a pregnant female at the Circle K gas station at 4900 Ulmerton Rd.
According to detectives, the female reported the suspect, 24-year-old Calvin Brockington Jr., threatened her. Therefore, she locked herself in the bathroom inside Circle K. Officer Derr arrived on the scene and attempted to make contact with the suspect. Detectives say while in the parking lot of Circle K, Brockington walked toward Officer Derr and shot him in the right arm, shattering a bone and incapacitating him.
Detectives say when Officer Gavin arrived on the scene and confronted Brockington, he shot at her. Officer Gavin returned fire but did not strike him. Brockington then carjacked a vehicle in the parking lot, drove toward Officer Gavin, then fled the scene. Brockington traveled westbound in the eastbound lanes on Ulmerton Road, where Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the Flight Unit began to pursue him. Brockington then entered onto I-275 and fled southbound, exiting in the area of 928 22nd Avenue South. Brockington Jr was taken into custody after the pursuit terminated in a crash. That apprehension occurred in Seminole Blvd S and 22nd Avenue S in St. Petersburg.
Officer Derr was transported to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg with non-life-threatening injuries. He underwent surgery to assist in his recovery.
Brockington was taken into custody, and several charges were pending, including two counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, carjacking, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement.
Two deputies assisting with the incident collided at 5th Avenue and 49th Street. Their injuries were classified as minor.
According to the Pinellas Park Police Department, Brockington was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for the attempted murders of Officer Jacob Derr and Officer KC Gavin, ensuring that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
“This sentencing delivers justice not only for Officer Jacob Derr and Officer KC Gavin but for every victim affected by this defendant’s violent actions,” said Chief Geissenberger. “Calvin Brockington made the deliberate choice to ambush and attempt to murder two police officers, terrorize innocent citizens, and endanger the lives of many in a reckless, violent rampage. Today, the court ensured that he will never again have the opportunity to destroy another life.”
Officer Jacob Derr, who was ambushed and shot, suffered catastrophic injuries that ended his career in law enforcement. “Jacob’s life was forever changed by the defendant’s choices,” Chief Geissenberger continued. “Yet, despite all that he has endured, he has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience. This department will always stand by him and every other victim affected by
that night.”
With today’s sentencing, the Pinellas Park Police Department reaffirms its commitment to the safety of the community and its unwavering support for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day.
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