Bodycam Footage Released in Arrest of Suspect in South Florida Killings
COCOA, Fla. — Police body camera video shows the arrest of Dennard Isiah Barnes, 36, who was wanted in connection with multiple shootings across Florida. The Cocoa Police Department reported that Barnes was taken into custody after officers located a white van believed to be linked to several violent crimes.
The bodycam footage depicts officers using a taser while attempting to subdue Barnes. A police K-9 unit was also deployed during the arrest. Investigators had been tracking Barnes for days, seeking him in connection with an attempted murder in Brevard County and two homicides in South Florida.
Suspect Linked to Miami-Dade County Homicides
Detectives suspect Barnes fatally shot Joshua Nelson in North Miami and Gabriel Floyd Hubbert in Miami Gardens on February 20. According to NBC Miami, Hubbert was a father of six. Authorities in South Florida had been searching for a white van believed to be the getaway vehicle used in the shootings.
Cocoa police located the van in their area. The body camera video shows the vehicle passing officers before Barnes exited and ran towards a nearby home, attempting to gain entry. Barnes reportedly knew the victims he is accused of shooting.
Arrest Details and Prior Charges
Barnes was initially charged with attempted murder for a shooting in Cocoa on February 20, where a 24-year-old man was shot in the abdomen with an AK-style rifle. He was denied bond on February 21, according to Florida Today.
During the arrest, Barnes allegedly resisted officers at the scene and again at Cape Canaveral Hospital, where he was receiving treatment for injuries. Reports indicate he attempted to grab an officer’s handgun and struck an officer before being subdued.
Miami Gardens Police had been seeking to question Barnes regarding the two homicides in their jurisdiction. As of March 4, 2026, he had not yet been charged in those cases.
The wife of Gabriel Hubbert described the violence as a “completely horrific situation,” according to WPLG Local10.
A GoFundMe page has been created to assist Hubbert’s family with funeral expenses.