Domestic violence incident turns deadly in Destin

DESTIN, Fla. — An apparent domestic violence incident in Destin turned deadly Wednesday after a man, who was reportedly armed and pursuing a woman, fired at lawmen who then returned fire, killing the suspect, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has announced.

According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred after deputies, responding to a call of an armed disturbance, encountered a man chasing a woman inside the Regatta Bay community in Destin.

No deputies were injured.

Investigators said it appears to have been a domestic violence situation, with the armed man reportedly pursuing the woman around and inside a home under construction on Sailmaker Lane around 4:30 p.m.

The OCSO said the man ignored repeated demands to drop the gun and fired at two deputies. According to the OCSO, deputies returned fire.

The suspect was struck and died at the scene, the OCSO said.

According to the OCSO, the 45-year-old suspect is believed to be an undocumented immigrant who had been deported from the U.S. in 2012. However, he had been living in the Fort Walton Beach area, the agency said.

Investigators said his ex-wife was working at the construction site when the suspect showed up with a gun, forcing her to run for safety. Although he fired a shot at her inside the house, she was not injured.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden today praised the composure and training of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were involved in the shooting incident.

“First and foremost, our deputies are safe. Our citizens are safe. They did an incredible job of controlling the situation despite the stress of a violent encounter,” said Aden.

“They not only moved people out of danger when they first arrived, they communicated well and moved toward the threat to protect our citizens.”

As part of the standard protocol for use of force investigations, the deputies involved will be placed on administrative leave, with pay, pending the results of an investigation, the OCSO said.