Florida Deputy Arrest Sparks Investigations and Public Outcry

A former Florida deputy faces manslaughter charges for the fatal shooting of a U.S. airman, sparking investigations and public outcry.

At a Glance

Eddie Duran, ex-deputy of Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, shot and killed U.S. airman Roger Fortson on May 3
Duran was fired on May 31 and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, facing up to 30 years in prison
Body cam footage shows Fortson holding a gun pointed toward the ground when Duran fired multiple shots
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department found Duran’s use of force “not objectively reasonable”

Former Deputy Arrested for Fatal Shooting

Eddie Duran, a former deputy with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of U.S. airman Roger Fortson. The incident, which occurred on May 3, has led to intense scrutiny of police use of force and calls for accountability in law enforcement.

Duran turned himself in and was booked into the county jail. He faces a manslaughter charge with a firearm, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The arrest comes after an internal investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was “not objectively reasonable.”

A former Florida sheriff's deputy was arrested Monday after being charged with the fatal shooting of a Black U.S. Air Force senior airman who answered his apartment door holding a gun pointed toward the ground, officials said. https://t.co/Y7aMnMsCTo

— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) August 26, 2024

Details of the Incident

On the night of May 3, Duran responded to a false domestic disturbance report at an apartment complex. Fortson, who was alone in his apartment and on FaceTime with his girlfriend, was not the subject of the complaint. Bodycam footage shows that when Fortson opened his door, he was holding a gun pointed toward the ground. Duran fired multiple shots at Fortson before instructing him to drop the weapon.

“Nothing can ever bring Roger back, and our fight is far from over, but we are hopeful that this arrest and these charges will result in real justice for the Fortson family,” said Ben Crump, civil rights attorney representing Fortson’s family.

Fortson later died in the hospital. The incident has raised questions about proper police procedures and the use of force, as external law enforcement experts have stated that an officer cannot shoot solely because a suspect is holding a gun if there is no immediate threat.

Department’s Response and Investigation

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department has been transparent throughout the process, providing public statements, body-worn camera footage, and other records. Sheriff Eric Aden initially stated that Duran had reacted in self-defense. However, following an internal investigation, the department reversed its stance and terminated Duran’s employment on May 31.

“I think this is the best that we could have hoped for in this particular case,” said Sabu Williams, president of the local branch of the NAACP, reflecting the community’s response to the charges.

The case has drawn attention to Duran’s background and previous conduct. He has a history as a military police officer in the Army and joined the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office in July 2019. Records show he was previously reprimanded in 2021 for not completing assignments and for leaving his post early at a high school where he was an on-campus deputy.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Community Impact

As the legal process unfolds, the community and Fortson’s family continue to seek justice. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Fortson family, emphasized that the charges mark “the first step towards justice” but stressed that their fight is far from over.

“Let this be a reminder to law enforcement officers everywhere that they swore a solemn oath to protect and defend, and their actions have consequences, especially when it results in the loss of life,” stated Ben Crump, civil rights attorney.

The case has reignited discussions about police training, de-escalation techniques, and the importance of thorough investigations before using deadly force. As the community grapples with this tragedy, there are calls for systemic changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.