Fort Walton Beach man allegedly strikes detective with vehicle while fleeing

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.— A man from Fort Walton Beach faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer, after allegedly striking a detective with a vehicle while fleeing from him.

According to the Fort Walton Beach Police Department (FWBPD), on September 1 at approximately 9:40 a.m., one of its detectives attempted to apprehend Da’Vion Wingate, 20, at the Shell Gas Station at 6 Beal Pkwy NW). Wingate had an active felony warrant out of Fort Walton Beach Police Department for Fleeing/Eluding, the FWBPD said.

As the detective approached the vehicle, Wingate allegedly placed the vehicle in drive, striking the detective, and then fled the scene.

FWBPD patrol officers were able to locate the vehicle a short distance later. However, Wingate reportedly failed to stop for officers, resulting in a vehicle pursuit that ended near the intersection of Lovejoy Road NW and Oak Street NW.

According to the FWBPD, Wingate fled on foot from the vehicle and was later apprehended with the assistance of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The detective was transported to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and was released with non-life-threatening injuries.

Wingate was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing and eluding, resisting with violence, resisting without violence, trafficking fentanyl, possession of certain drugs without prescriptions, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, and 14 uniform traffic citations.