A Florida deputy identified as Eddie Duran was terminated from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office following an internal investigation into the shooting of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3, 2024. The investigation revealed that Duran's use of deadly force against Fortson was not objectively reasonable and violated agency policy.
According to multiple sources, including internal affairs reports and body camera footage, Duran responded to a report of a disturbance at an apartment complex where Fortson lived. When he arrived at the scene, Duran knocked on the door of what he believed to be the source of the disturbance but did not identify himself as law enforcement. After receiving no response, Duran announced his presence and retreated from the door before approaching again.
When Fortson opened the door moments later, he was holding a firearm at his side and pointed it downwards. Duran immediately opened fire multiple times, striking Fortson several times in the chest. Fortson died at a hospital shortly after being transported there.
Fortson's family and their attorneys have insisted that he thought someone was trying to break into his apartment and did not intend to harm anyone. They also believe that Duran responded to the wrong apartment, as there had been previous reports of loud noises coming from the unit in question.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office initially stated that Duran reacted in self-defense, but after a thorough investigation, it was determined that his use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable under agency policy. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues to investigate the shooting as a criminal matter.
Fortson, 23, was an exceptional airman and individual by all accounts. He is survived by his family and friends who are seeking justice for his untimely death.
