Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, was shot and killed last Friday in Fort Walton Beach after a deputy from Okaloosa County fired at him in his apartment. His family is now demanding for answers and saying that the deputy wrongfully entered his apartment. The sheriff’s office says the deputy had announced himself before the door was opened.
An attorney for the family says that Fortson had heard knocks coming from his door, and when no one could be seen through the peep hole, he grabbed a gun that he legally owns. However the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office says the peephole was not blocked.
“The deputy knocked on the correct door,” says Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. “He did not cover the peephole or otherwise obscure its view in any way
Body cam footage released by the sheriff’s office shows the deputy walking up to the door. After multiple knocks, Fortson appears to open it. The deputy asks him to drop his gun, and moments later the deputy shoots at Fortson, then calls out that shots were fired. According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy was acting in self-defense.
The sheriff’s office says the deputy has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
