FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A homeless man reportedly armed with a machete was shot and killed by deputies with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Friday morning at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, the OCSO said.
According to the OCSO, the man slashed another individual in an unprovoked attack near a pavilion at the Boardwalk, and deputies, responding to multiple 911 calls, arrived on the scene quickly.
“The suspect then ignored their commands to drop his weapon and instead aggressively advanced on them,” the OCSO said.
Both deputies fired their weapons in self-defense, the OCSO said.
According to the OCSO, deputies performed lifesaving measures, however, the suspect died at the scene.
A Georgia tourist who suffered a significant laceration to his shoulder in the initial incident was taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center for treatment.
“Our deputies were on the scene within three minutes of the calls. Despite their pleas to the armed individual to put down his weapon, he ultimately rushed at them with it instead,” said Sheriff Eric Aden.
“It’s a tragic situation. I’m incredibly grateful our deputies are okay and that their quick response and solid training in the face of great personal danger prevented anyone else from being hurt or killed.”
The incident was captured on the deputy’s body-worn cameras. As standard procedure, the deputies will be on paid leave while an investigation takes place, the OCSO said.
The results of the investigation will be turned over to the State Attorney’s Office for review.
