Deputy Will May of the Walton County (Florida) Sheriff's Office was killed Wednesday in a gunfight that also killed the suspect.Walton County SO
A Walton County, Florida, Sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot Wednesday during a gunfight with a suspect outside of a Dollar General store in the community of Mossy Head. The suspect was also killed in the shootout.
“Deputy May responded to the store and made contact with the suspect. There was a brief discussion approximately 10-15 seconds in which the suspect exited the store with Deputy May walking out behind him,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson.
Seconds later the sheriff said shots were fired.
“That suspect drew a firearm and fired multiple rounds striking Deputy Will May. Deputy May, to his great personal credit and courage, was able to draw his firearm and return fire.”
Adkinson said the deputy was wearing body armor that stopped multiple round but was shot under the vest, ABC reports.
The suspect died at the scene.
Deputy May was able to call for help.
First responders and other deputies rushed to the scene trying to save Deputy May’s life. After fighting for several hours Deputy May died from his injuries, WJHG reports.
“There is absolutely nothing tactically wrong that Deputy May did. I have been in this business for 32 years and there is nothing I would have done differently. There was no indication whatsoever that would have ended in that kind of violence,” said Adkinson.
Deputy May was not supposed to be working on Wednesday afternoon, yet he decided to volunteer for a shift to "provide overtime and assistance," according to Adkinson.
Deputy May is survived by his wife and two children.
