A sheriff in Florida has dismissed a deputy who fired at an airman in his own residence, alleging the use of excessive force.
"An administrative inquiry concluded that the deputy's deployment of lethal force was unreasonable and hence went against department protocol," announced the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department in a statement.
Deputies turned up at an apartment building on May 3rd due to a call about a disturbance, according to Sheriff Eric Aden's previous remark. Video footage from body cameras depicts the deputy in question ordering Roger Fortson to back off right after he opened the entrance. Fortson, who had his arms down and was holding a gun in his proper hand, was standing there.
In the video, five gunshots can be heard. Fortson passed away at the hospital.
"This unfortunate occurrence should never have happened," Aden remarked in a Friday announcement. "The facts don't justify using lethal force in response to Mr. Fortson's actions. Mr. Fortson didn't break any laws, and he seemed to be an outstanding airman and person according to accounts."
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department expressed their disapproval of the deputy's actions by stating, "This incident highlights the need for our deputies to exercise restraint and adhere to department protocol in such situations." Subsequently, it was revealed that the deputy involved is a resident of 'us', as mentioned in previous reports.
