One dead, one hospitalized after violent afternoon in typically peaceful Fort Walton Beach neighborhood
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – A local man in the Sylvania Heights area of Fort Walton Beach died from gun violence on Saturday afternoon, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said in a release. The incident, which reportedly left another guy seriously injured, shocked the neighborhood and sparked an investigation by local authorities.
Around 2:10 p.m., several gunshots were heard at the typically calm area off Lovejoy Road. Numerous 911 calls from concerned locals alerted the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, which responded quickly to the site.
A deputy found a 23-year-old man with major gunshot wounds at the intersection of Shirley Drive and Marler Street. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by the first responders, and rapid transport to a nearby hospital by EMS, the man’s injuries were reported as critical.
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In the vicinity, first responders found dead another man, under a tree, which has been killed by the gunshots that took had erupted minutes before. The area was quickly cordoned off as a crime scene.
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Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies started their work to untangle the series of events leading to the shooting. They are actively looking for any incident-related information and encouraging anyone who could know something to step forward.
The Sheriff’s Office has opened various channels for tips. Community members can reach the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office directly, use the Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers service by phone or online, or provide information via the P3 Mobile Tips app. The officials have underlined in their call for public help the need of community participation in resolving this case to prevent further violence.
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The case is still under investigation. Once more details are available, we will update the case.
Stay with us for updates.
