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June 01, 2024 Story by: Editor
On Friday, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden dismissed Deputy Eddie Duran after the fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson at his home. The decision was based on the conclusion that Duran’s life was not in immediate danger, and his use of deadly force was deemed unreasonable.
The tragic event occurred on May 3 when Duran responded to a domestic violence call and was directed to Fortson’s apartment. Upon Fortson opening the door with a legally owned handgun pointed to the ground, Duran shot him multiple times within two seconds. Fortson, 23, was Black, while Duran, 39, identifies as Hispanic.
An internal affairs investigation determined that Fortson did not exhibit any hostile behavior, making Duran’s use of deadly force unjustifiable. The report highlighted that an officer cannot legally shoot someone solely because they are holding a gun without a clear threat.
“This tragic incident should have never occurred,” Sheriff Aden stated, emphasizing that Fortson committed no crime and was an exemplary airman. No criminal charges have been filed against Duran, but an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is ongoing.
Duran told investigators he perceived aggression in Fortson’s eyes and believed he was about to be shot, prompting his reaction. He justified his actions, saying, “It is him or me at this point.”
Attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson’s family, acknowledged Duran’s firing as a step forward but called for full justice, labeling the deputy’s actions as criminal.
Sabu Williams, president of the Okaloosa County NAACP, praised the sheriff’s actions but indicated that more needs to be done. He appreciated the thorough internal investigation and the sheriff’s response, although some community members desired swifter action.
Duran’s law enforcement career began as a military police officer in the Army. He was hired by an Oklahoma police department in 2015 and joined the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office in 2019, resigning two years later. He rejoined the office 11 months prior to the shooting. Source: AP News
The events leading to the shooting began with a neighbor reporting a loud argument from Fortson’s apartment. Despite no previous calls to Fortson’s unit, the deputy responded to the call. Duran stood outside the door without identifying himself before pounding and announcing his presence as a sheriff’s officer. Fortson, unaware of who was at the door, retrieved his gun for protection. As soon as Fortson opened the door, Duran fired, fearing for his life. Here’s a body camera video of the incident.
Fortson’s girlfriend, who was on a video call with him during the incident, confirmed that they were not arguing and had not heard the deputy’s announcement. After Fortson was shot, he confirmed his gun was not in his hand, and he died shortly after at the hospital.
This incident underscores the critical importance of proper judgment and the use of force by law enforcement officers. The firing of Deputy Duran aims to ensure accountability and justice for Roger Fortson and his family. The ongoing investigation will determine if further legal actions are warranted. Meanwhile, the community continues to grapple with the implications of this tragic event, emphasizing the need for systemic changes in policing practices to prevent such occurrences in the future.
