NWFSC Law Enforcement Academy Graduates New Class of Cadets
Northwest Florida State College’s Law Enforcement Academy has graduated a new class of cadets, with some securing positions at local law enforcement agencies and others seeking employment in the region.
Okaloosa Deputies Charge Teen With 16-Year-Old’s Drug Overdose Death
A 17-year-old from Fort Walton Beach has been charged with aggravated manslaughter after allegedly providing fentanyl-laced pills that led to the fatal overdose of a 16-year-old girl. Surveillance footage and phone data connected the suspect to the victim, resulting in his arrest by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Motorcycle-Mounted Camera Clears Name of Deputy Arrested for Reckless Driving
All charges against former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Dylan Gentry have been dismissed after video evidence disproved allegations of reckless driving, racing, and felony tampering. Gentry, who was terminated from the Sheriff’s Office following his arrest, is now looking to restore his personal and professional reputation.
Brother of Slain Hurlburt Airman Roger Fortson Shot and Killed in Atlanta
Tragedy strikes again for the Fortson family as the younger brother of a slain Hurlburt Field Airman is fatally shot in Georgia, amid a surge of teen violence in Atlanta.
Deputies Raid Niceville House, Arrest Teen for Child Porn Possession
Members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, in collaboration with the Multi-Agency Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant at a residence on Fir Avenue today.
Florida Man Robs Bank in Flip Flops, Hides Cash in Maserati
A 66-year-old Destin resident, Charles Gallagher, has been arrested for allegedly robbing a Truist Bank on Emerald Coast Parkway using a note to demand cash. Authorities found his black 2017 Maserati with concealed identifiers, along with cash, a surgical mask, and glasses. Gallagher, who has faced financial difficulties since 2017, is held without bond on charges of robbery without a weapon, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Slain Airman’s Mother Lays Blame At Okaloosa Sheriff’s Feet
In an emotionally charged NAACP town hall meeting, Chantemekki Fortson delivered a powerful speech condemning Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden’s handling of her son Roger’s fatal shooting by former deputy Eddie Duran. Fortson called for Aden’s defeat in the August primary election, citing a loss of trust and accountability. The town hall, attended by approximately 250 people, also featured updates on the ongoing investigation and discussions on broader issues like racial bias and Christian Nationalism.
Okaloosa Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Man For Destin Shooting
A violent confrontation at the Sea Glass Apartments on Commons Drive West left one man paralyzed after a heated altercation on Monday evening. Around 7:35 PM, an argument between two men escalated when Timothy Rettinger pursued the Victim in a black Buick Enclave, ultimately shooting him multiple times and causing severe injuries.
Documents: Fired Deputy Who Shot and Killed Hurlburt Field Airman Disciplined in 2021, turned in resignation days before shooting.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has terminated Deputy Eddie Duran following an internal affairs investigation into the fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3. The investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable, violating agency policy. Sheriff Eric Aden emphasized the incident should never have occurred and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to fairness, professionalism, and transparency.
Okaloosa Deputies Arrest Seven In Child Predator Sting Operation
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office conducted an undercover operation called “Operation April’s Fools” in April, targeting adults who were trying to meet minors online for sexual encounters.
