The Vero Beach Police Department has apprehended two individuals following a violent armed robbery and aggravated battery that occurred at a local motel. The incident, which left one victim with severe head injuries, unfolded in the early hours of April 21 at the Palm Inn, located along the heavily traveled U.S. 1 corridor in Vero Beach.
Officers were dispatched to the Palm Inn at 2202 U.S. 1 shortly before 2:30 a.m. upon receiving reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a male victim suffering from significant head trauma alongside a female victim inside one of the motel rooms. The injured man was promptly transported to Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital for emergency medical treatment of his serious injuries.
Two suspects were swiftly apprehended by Vero Beach police after a violent home invasion at the Palm Inn, during which victims were threatened with a weapon and assaulted with a baseball bat before personal property was stolen.
Detectives determined that the suspects forced their way into the room after knocking on the door. According to authorities, the individuals demanded money and personal valuables while aggressively assaulting the occupants. The arrested individuals and their respective charges include:
- Michael A. Jackson, 49: Charged with home invasion robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery, and giving false identification to law enforcement. Investigators state Jackson repeatedly struck the male victim in the head with an aluminum baseball bat.
- Leigh H. Kennedy, 47: Charged with burglary with assault or battery and possession of a controlled substance. Kennedy is accused of threatening the female victim with a knife during the violent altercation.
After stealing personal property, Jackson and Kennedy fled the scene in a white Chevrolet SUV. Vero Beach police officers quickly located the suspect vehicle within minutes and executed a high-risk traffic stop. Both individuals matched the descriptions provided by the victims and were taken into custody without incident. During the traffic stop, officers observed the passenger attempting to conceal a purse in the back of the SUV, which investigators believe was stolen during the robbery.
Local authorities are asking anyone with additional information regarding this incident to reach out to the Vero Beach Police Department or contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-273-8477.
