“The objective facts do not justify the use of deadly force in response to Mr. Fortson’s actions,” stated Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden
A Florida sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot U.S. Air Force airman Roger Fortson during a disturbance call has been dismissed, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office on Friday.
An internal investigation concluded that Deputy Eddie Duran’s use of deadly force in the May 3 shooting was unreasonable. “The objective facts do not support the use of deadly force as an appropriate response to Mr. Fortson’s actions,” stated Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden.
Duran responded to a disturbance call and was directed to Fortson’s unit. A neighbor had reported hearing what sounded like a physical argument. After knocking and announcing “sheriff’s office” twice, Duran faced Fortson at the door. Fortson, holding a gun pointed down, did not aim it or resist before Duran fired. Fortson, an “exceptional airman and individual,” committed no crime, Aden noted. Fortson died at a hospital.
Fortson’s family stated he was on a video call with his girlfriend and thought someone was breaking in. Body camera footage released earlier this month showed Fortson immediately shot upon opening his door. Initially, the sheriff’s office claimed Duran acted in self-defense, but the internal investigation found Duran violated agency policy, concluding his use of deadly force was not reasonable.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is still investigating the shooting. Fortson’s family has retained civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump.