VERO BEACH, FL – A tense law enforcement situation unfolded on the roadways of Indian River County this week, resulting in the high-stakes arrest of a former New York City police officer suspected in the fatal shooting of his elderly parents in neighboring St. Lucie County.
Philip Repaci Jr., 55, is currently being held at the Indian River County Jail following a pursuit that ended on Oslo Road. Authorities state that Repaci fled the scene of the crime in Fort Pierce before being tracked down by local deputies utilizing advanced license plate reader technology.
The Pursuit and Arrest on Oslo Road
The sequence of events began after law enforcement in St. Lucie County discovered the bodies of 85-year-old Philip Repaci and 80-year-old Joan Repaci inside their condominium at the Harbour Isle complex on Hutchinson Island. Police identified the couple’s son as a suspect after he fled the scene before officers arrived.
According to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted to Repaci’s vehicle entering the county via license plate recognition cameras positioned at various entry points. Once the vehicle was located, deputies engaged in a pursuit. To bring the dangerous situation to a safe conclusion, a deputy executed a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver, forcing the suspect’s car to stop on Oslo Road.
Charges and Investigation
Repaci Jr. was taken into custody late Tuesday and faces a charge of fleeing and eluding within Indian River County. He is being held on a $150,000 bond, with an arraignment scheduled for April 8, 2026.
While currently detained on the traffic-related felony in Vero Beach, Repaci has been formally named a suspect in the double homicide by the Fort Pierce Police Department. Investigators noted that the victims were found with multiple gunshot wounds and described the deaths as suspicious.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office has released surveillance footage of the high-risk traffic stop and pledged full cooperation with the homicide investigation.
“This investigation is active and ongoing,” stated the Fort Pierce Police Department. Sheriff Eric Flowers added that his agency is “ready to provide any assistance needed to ensure the suspect sees justice.”
Community Call to Action
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident or the timeline of events leading up to the tragedy to come forward.
Residents can contact the Fort Pierce Police Department at 772-467-6800. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-277-8477.
