U.S. Air Force Identifies Airman Killed By Florida Deputy

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field. Credit: U.S. Air Force

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Florida - The U.S. Air Force has identified the airman who was shot by an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy on May 3 and later died at a local hospital.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field. He had entered active duty on November 19, 2019. 

"Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigation agency in this incident. To protect the integrity of the investigation, no other information will be released at this time," the Air Force stated in a release.

"The 1st Special Operations Wing’s priorities are providing casualty affairs service to the family, supporting the squadron during this tragic time, and ensuring resources are available for all who are impacted."

Credit: Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, a deputy responded to 319 Racetrack Road around 4:30 p.m. for a call of a disturbance in progress. Hearing sounds of a disturbance, the deputy reacted in self defense after he encountered Fortson armed with a gun and after the deputy had identified himself as law enforcement.  

"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," said Okalloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden.

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