Marco Antonio Parilla Jr., 23, is accused of fatally shooting and running over Tarpon Springs Police Officer Charles "Charlie K" Kondek when Kondek responded to a call for a noise complaint early Sunday morning.
Police said Parilla was knocking on doors in the area looking for someone who had "dimed him out" to police.When Parilla saw Kondek, he fired several rounds at the officer.
Throughout the day Monday, people stopped by the police station to leave flowers and cards on a squad car parked outside in remembrance of the fallen officer.Residents remembered Kondek as their neighborhood officer who worked the midnight shift to help keep them safe.
"He always said he'd be around the corner, and he was," said Jolene Minor, a Tarpon Springs resident. "I'd come home for work and he'd be patrolling, and I knew it was him, and I could go to sleep. He was our neighborhood cop he really was."
Geary Sue Humphreys said she was a Tarpon Springs resident lucky enough to meet Kondek on a noise complaint call that ended much differently than the night he lost his life.
"He was lovely," said Humphreys. "He was very professional, outstanding, kind and he was patient."
Kondek's family is speaking out through a family friend.
"Charlie was a loving husband and devoted father," said Dr. Paula O'Neil, who works with Kondek's widow, Teresa, at the Pasco County Clerk of Courts office. "As a law enforcement officer he served with compassion and worked hard to keep our community safe."
Kondek's fellow officers watched the memorial grow Monday and were touched by the overwhelming response, especially in light of recent tension across the country between police and residents.
"It's awesome. Words can't describe. The support and everything we've gotten has been tremendous. Very overwhelming," said Tarpon Springs Officer Kevin Lang.
"We realize the sacrifice that he made, and he has a family and young kids. It's important that his family knows they are cared about and loved and supported," said Rebecca Carey, whose father is a police chief.
During Parilla's first court appearance Monday, he said he did not have the resources to hire his own attorney. A public defender will be appointed for him. He'll remain in the Pinellas County Jail without bond accused of first-degree murder.
Late Monday, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said that the .40-caliber Glock used to shoot Kondek was stolen during a vehicle burglary Aug. 5 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Pinellas was already wanted on five different parole violations out of Temple Terrace, Fla.
Kondek was with the department for 17 years. Prior to joining the force in Tarpon Springs, Kondek was with the New York Police Department for five years.
Kondek is survived by his wife, Teresa, and six children. His youngest child is a 15-year-old daughter.
The Suncoast Police Benevolent Association has made arrangements with Wells Fargo Bank to collect donations for the family. Donations can also be dropped off at the police department.A fundraiser for Kondek's family has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Jan. 4.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Monday ordered that U.S. and Florida flags be flown at half-staff at the Pinellas County Courthouse, Tarpon Springs City Hall and Police Department, and at the State Capitol in Tallahassee from sunrise to sunset Saturday when Kundek's funeral is scheduled.
