According to the US Air Force, a sheriff’s deputy got into a gunfight that resulted in the death of one airman stationed at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
According to an Air Force statement released on Monday, Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, passed away at his off-base home. Roughly five miles from the air base, he was at his residence at the Chez Elan Apartments, according to WKRG.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office claimed in a news release on Friday that a deputy responding to the report of a disturbance in progress “reacted in self defense after he encountered a 23-year-old man armed with a gun.”
Officials added that after being brought to the hospital, Fortson passed away.
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Beginning on November 19, 2019, Fortson was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron and began serving on active duty.
Only two flying squadrons in the 1st Special Operations Wing, based at Hurlburt Field, fly the AC-130 gunship, according to Fortson’s squadron’s stated Task and Purpose. There are nine flying squadrons in total.
According to the sheriff’s office, the officer was put on paid administrative leave while a full inquiry was carried out.
