Dania Beach, FL — September 8, 2025:
A late-night robbery outside a Dania Beach 7-Eleven ended with one suspect dead, another injured, and an armed citizen released after being questioned by deputies.
How the Robbery Unfolded
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), it began just before 7 p.m. Saturday when 19-year-old Justin Kessel allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven on Stirling Road. Kessel then went inside the store and robbed the clerk.
The man robbed in the parking lot managed to get to his car and retrieve a firearm. When Kessel exited the store carrying a cash register, the victim confronted him.
Detectives say the man fired several rounds, striking Kessel. “The victim fired multiple shots, injuring Kessel,” BSO confirmed in a press release.
The Attempted Getaway
At that moment, the second suspect, identified as 40-year-old Melvin Presley, [as seen in video] tried to run the armed citizen over with a gray 2025 Honda CR-V. The victim jumped out of the way and fired again at the vehicle.
Presley sped off but was found a few blocks away inside the SUV, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital where he later died.
Kessel was taken into custody, treated at a local hospital, and is expected to face charges.
Witnesses Back Victim’s Account
Cellphone video captured the chaos outside the store, including the cash register on the ground and Kessel wounded nearby. Witnesses appeared to support the armed citizen’s version of events. “Yeah, he ain’t wrong. I seen it, I seen it,” one man said on the recording.
Nearby resident Rodney told NBC6, “I live right around the corner and it is scary. The guy was robbing the place, tried to rob one of the customers and when he come back out, the other guy in the car shot him.”
The Aftermath
Deputies initially detained the armed victim for questioning but released him after reviewing the evidence. His name has not been made public. Investigators say they are still working with the Broward State Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed.
For now, the man who turned the tables on two armed robbers is free—while one suspect lies dead and the other faces a future in court.
The BSO detective referred to the unnamed person as the “victim”, not as the “shooter” or the “suspect” or some other accusatory term. That framing is a good step!
It’s a good thing There was a armed bystander there, because we all know about the cowards from Broward!
This honorable citizen should be given a medal and a better gun.
And now Justin Kessel gets to be charged with causing the death of Melvin Presley. This being Florida, he’ll be in jail until a Democrat gets elected Governor or President.
Somebody needs to buy the victim a case of ammo so he can keep doing what’s right. I’d like to thank him for what he did for me, my family, and all the good citizens of this country.
If you own a firearm carry it on you not in the car.
Didn’t see this on national news!!!!!
I love a happy ending. Glad the POS is dead. wish the other piece of crap was dead too.
F’ criminals!!!!!!!!!!!!
19-year-old Justin Kessel will most likely be charged with the death of his 40yr old criminal BFF.
What is it about convenience stores that incubates so much murder and mayhem?
Good on you for being at the ready!!!