US soldier shot and killed by Florida police identified by Air Force

The U.S. Air Force says a 23-year-old airman supporting its special operations wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, was shot and killed in an incident involving the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida — The U.S. Air Force said a 23-year-old airman based at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, was shot and killed Friday during an incident involving a sheriff’s deputy.

Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, died at his off-base residence, the U.S. Air Force said in a statement Monday.

A deputy responding to a call of a disturbance in progress “responded in self-defense after encountering a 23-year-old man armed with a firearm,” the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said Friday in a press release.

Fortson was taken to a hospital where he died, authorities said.

Fortson was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron. In a statement, the Air Force’s 1st Special Operations Wing said its priorities were “providing business service to families, supporting the squadron during this tragic time and ensuring resources are available for all those affected.”

The sheriff’s office said the deputy was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the incident.

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Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale.