Lawyer: Airman killed by Florida deputy who burst into wrong apartment

The attorney for the family of an Air Force airman shot and killed by a deputy in Florida on Friday, May 3, said the fatal shooting occurred after law enforcement entered the wrong apartment. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Senior Airman Roger Fortson was on a FaceTime call with a woman when deputies, responding to a disturbance at the Okaloosa County apartment complex, forced entry into his unit.

According to Crump — and based on the woman’s account — a deputy shot Fortson six times upon seeing him armed with a gun. Crump said Forston legally owned the weapon. Fortson later died at a hospital.

“The circumstances surrounding Roger’s death raise serious questions that demand immediate answers from authorities, especially considering the alarming witness statement that the police entered the wrong apartment,” Crump said.

In a statement last week, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said the deputy acted in self-defense after encountering an armed man. Authorities have not yet commented on Crump’s claims, but the sheriff posted on Facebook asking the community for patience as they work to understand the facts of the case. 

The Air Force’s 1st Special Operations Wing said its focus is on providing casualty affairs services to the family, supporting the squadron, and ensuring resources are available for all affected.

Crump is calling for transparency in the investigation and asking authorities to release the body cam video to the airman’s family. 

The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave.