Suspect in Walton shooting rampage charged, released from hospital

WALTON COUNTY, FLA. — The suspect in an alleged shooting rampage in Sandestin has been released from the hospital and booked into the Walton County Jail, said the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday, Gunner Harding Cole, 21, of Warner Robbins, Georgia, was formally arrested and booked. Cole is charged with attempted murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and aggravated battery with a firearm. Each of the charges is a felony.

Cole’s charges stem from an incident on September 21 where the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) responded to the sound of gunfire in the Sandestin area. Multiple 911 calls came flooding in, reporting an active shooter in the area of Heron Walk Drive and Baytowne Avenue, said the WCSO.

Within minutes, WCSO deputies located a suspect who reportedly opened fire. A deputy returned fire, striking and neutralizing Cole.

During the incident, a victim who was said to have been struck in the back by a bullet drove north to Baytowne Wharf and was later transported to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. As he approached the roundabout at Heron Walk Drive and Baytowne Avenue, he told investigators that he saw a man standing in the road shooting at cars. He then realized he had been shot.

The WCSO said is still actively investigating a death that it believes is linked to this incident and identifying others who were allegedly targeted.

“It is imperative that we conduct a thorough investigation, so we not only accomplish an arrest but achieve a successful prosecution,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson.

“This type of violence will not be tolerated in Walton County.”