US airman shot dead by sheriff’s deputy in Florida

The U.S. Air Force said an airman from the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, was shot in an incident with a sheriff’s deputy.

Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, died at his off-base residence, the U.S. Air Force said in a statement released Monday. He was at his home at the Chez Elan Apartments, about five miles from the air base, WKRG reported.

An officer responding to the call of a disturbance in progress “responded in self-defense after encountering a 23-year-old male armed with a weapon,” the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Friday.

Fortson was taken to the hospital, where he died, officials said.

Fortson was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron and began active duty on November 19, 2019. Fortson’s squadron is one of nine flying squadrons in the 1st Special Operations Squadron based at Hurlburt Field and one of only two flying the AC-130 attack helicopter, reported Task and purpose.

In a statement, the Air Force’s 1st Special Operations Squadron said its priorities were “providing casualty services to the family, supporting the squadron during this tragic time and ensuring resources are available to all affected.”

The sheriff’s office said the deputy was placed in paid administrative work pending a formal investigation.