A dispute over a rented storage unit in Palm Bay, Florida, turned violent Saturday morning when a facility employee was shot in the face after confronting two women who allegedly were using the space as a place to sleep.
Kandice Jo Pierce, 40, is accused of opening fire on the employee after being told that sleeping inside the unit was not permitted under the facility’s rules. She faces an attempted first-degree murder charge, along with other charges connected to separate allegations.
The incident happened around 10 a.m. on October 10 at a Public Storage facility on Babcock Street in Palm Bay, according to investigators.
Dispute Over Storage Unit Escalated Into Shooting
According to the arrest affidavit, the employee was making her morning rounds when she noticed two women who appeared to be living inside one of the storage units.
The employee informed them that the facility did not allow people to live or sleep in the units. Pierce allegedly responded that she had rented the space and believed they should be allowed to remain there.
The employee reportedly offered to let the women leave without reporting the situation to management. However, as she started walking away, Pierce allegedly called her back.
The employee then heard a loud bang and immediately felt pain in her face. Investigators say she had been shot just below the eye.
After the shooting, the employee ran for cover and hid beneath a desk while calling 911. The bullet remained lodged in her face, according to the affidavit. Initial reports indicated that her injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Investigators Found Evidence Near the Unit
Deputies later discovered two spent shell casings near the storage unit, giving investigators evidence to examine as they worked to establish what happened.
Pierce was identified as a suspect because she had rented the unit, according to the arrest affidavit.
Investigators also learned that the second woman inside the unit was Pierce’s 16-year-old daughter. A detective from a nearby agency who had previously tried to help Pierce with housing arrangements provided information that helped authorities identify the teenager.
Deputies eventually located the girl at a nearby gas station.
According to the affidavit, the teenager told investigators that her mother was angry about being told to leave the storage unit and had fired twice at the employee. One of the shots struck the victim.
Suspect Arrested as Case Moves Forward
Pierce was not at the scene when deputies located her daughter. Authorities later found her outside a nearby business and took her into custody.
The case has since moved forward, with Pierce appearing in court and being denied bond, according to local reporting. In addition to the attempted first-degree murder allegation, she faces charges involving a projectile fired at a building and second-degree arson. The arson case is reportedly unrelated to the storage facility shooting.
Pierce is being held at the Brevard County Jail. Her next court date is scheduled for November 10.
The case highlights how a confrontation over the use of a rented storage space can escalate into a serious criminal investigation. For the employee, what began as a routine inspection of the property ended with a gunshot wound and an emergency call for help.
The allegations against Pierce remain subject to the court process, and the charges must be resolved through the legal system.
