Statement from Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden on Fatal Officer Involved Shooting

All of us at the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office are saddened about the fatal officer involved shooting over the weekend.

Late Friday afternoon, our deputy responded to a call of a disturbance in progress where he encountered an armed man. The deputy shot the man, who later succumbed to his injuries.

I immediately placed the deputy on administrative leave and have asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct the investigation that is required in such incidents.

The State Attorney’s Office will also conduct an independent review.

At this time, we humbly ask for our community’s patience as we work to understand the facts that resulted in this tragic event.

Sheriff Eric Aden/Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office

OCSO News Release:

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal officer involved shooting that took place after a deputy made contact with an armed individual at an apartment off Racetrack Road late Friday afternoon.

A deputy responded to 319 Racetrack Road around 4:30 p.m. in reference to a call of a disturbance in progress.

Hearing sounds of a disturbance, he reacted in self defense after he encountered a 23-year old man armed with a gun and after the deputy had identified himself as law enforcement.

The man was taken to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

No deputies were injured.

Per standard protocol the deputy is placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcoming of a formal investigation and administrative review.