Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office fires deputy involved in fatal shooting of Airman Roger Fortson

Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) has fired Deputy Eddie Duran following an internal administrative investigation into the May 3 fatal shooting of Roger Fortson.

• The investigation determined that the deputy's use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable and violated agency policy.

According to OCSO General Order 04.01 – Response to resistance, deputies are authorized to use only objectively reasonable force to carry out their duties. The policy states that deadly force should only be used when the officer reasonably believes it is necessary to defend human life or prevent imminent danger of serious physical injury.

The investigation revealed that the former deputy was dispatched to an ongoing physical disturbance at an apartment complex located at 319 Racetrack Road NW, specifically Unit 1401.

• At the arrival, the former deputy met with an employee at an apartment complex who confirmed the location of the disturbance.

The body-worn camera of the former MP recorded his actions as he knocked on Unit 1401's door three times and announced “Sheriff's Office” twice in about 40 seconds. When Mr. Fortson opened the door, the former deputy said he saw Mr. Fortson holding a gun in his right hand, pointed at the ground.

• The investigation has ended that Mr. Fortson did not make any hostile attack moves and, therefore, the former MP's use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable under OSCO policy.

“This tragic incident should never have happened,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. “The objective facts do not support the use of deadly force as an appropriate response to Mr. Fortson’s actions. Mr. Fortson did not commit any crime. By all accounts, he was an exceptional aviator and individual.

The administrative investigation is separate from the ongoing criminal investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Both investigations are required under Florida law after a fatal deputy-involved shooting.

Sheriff Aden emphasized OCSO's commitment to ensuring the fair and equitable administration of the law, safeguarding civil liberties, and preserving public safety. He thanked the dedicated team for their thorough review of the facts and expressed his condolences to Mr. Fortson's family.

The full Internal Administrative Affairs Investigation Report is available on the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office website.

Read the full report