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Police Claim Self-Defense Following Fatal Shooting of Special Operations Airman Near Florida Air Force Base
The involved deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.
A U.S. Army MH-47G Chinook helicopter assigned to the 160th Special Operations at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 20, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bailey Wyman)
A tragic incident unfolded near Hurlburt Field in the Florida panhandle as Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron, was fatally shot by a deputy following an encounter at his off-base residence. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are currently under investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, leading to the placement of the involved deputy on paid administrative leave pending the outcome.
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According to reports, the shooting occurred after deputies responded to a call of a disturbance in progress at an apartment building nearly 10 miles outside of Hurlburt Field on Friday afternoon. Upon arrival, a deputy encountered an armed individual, later identified as Senior Airman Fortson, and reacted in self-defense, as per the sheriff’s office statement. Fortson was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Fortunately, no officers were harmed during the incident.
The Identity of the deputy involved has not been disclosed, and further details regarding the nature of the disturbance prompting the deputies' visit have not been released to the public. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, having recently faced scrutiny following a separate incident involving a deputy, emphasized their commitment to a thorough investigation and administrative review of the circumstances.
Fortson, who served as an AC-130J gunner, joined the Air Force in November 2019. In response to the tragedy, Hurlburt Field released a statement affirming their focus on providing support to Fortson’s family and squadron members during this difficult time, while ensuring resources are available for all affected parties.
This incident marks the second loss of a service member within a day, with the shooting death of First Lt. Brandon Keyon Moultrie, stationed at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, adding to the somber toll. Moultrie, a bystander, was fatally shot during a fight outside a bar in Fairbanks, Alaska, though he did not appear to be directly involved in the altercation. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with that incident.
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