A tragic and violent gunfight unfolded outside a Dollar General store in Mossy Head, Florida, on Wednesday afternoon, leading to the death of Walton County Deputy William May. Deputy May, who was volunteering for an extra shift that day, found himself in a dangerous encounter that ended his life despite his brave and heroic efforts.
At around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies received a call from the Dollar General store reporting that an individual was causing a disturbance and needed to be removed from the premises. The store requested that the person be trespassed from the property. Deputy May, who was not scheduled to work that afternoon, had volunteered for an extra shift to help provide overtime and assistance to his colleagues.
As May arrived at the scene, it was the final stop on his shift, and he had been planning to head home afterward. He approached the suspect, and according to Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson, May and the suspect had a brief conversation. However, what appeared to be a routine interaction quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation.
“Within 10 seconds of the suspect walking out of the store with Deputy May behind him, the suspect suddenly drew a firearm and began firing multiple rounds at May,” Sheriff Adkinson explained. Despite being struck by the gunfire, Deputy May displayed immense courage. “Will fought the entire time, from returning fire on the scene to fighting for his own life,” the sheriff added.
A violent gunfight ensued, with both May and the suspect firing at each other. The exchange lasted only a few seconds but was intense, with at least 18 rounds being fired during the brief but deadly encounter. The suspect, who has not been identified by law enforcement, was killed on the spot.
Deputy May, however, was severely injured in the exchange. While May was wearing a ballistic vest that protected him from several rounds, one bullet went underneath the vest and struck a vital area, ultimately causing his death.
May’s colleagues immediately rushed to his aid and transported him to a local hospital. Paramedics attempted to airlift him, but weather conditions in the area prevented the helicopter from reaching the scene. The efforts to save him were in vain, as Deputy May succumbed to his injuries at 7:10 p.m. that evening.
The tragic loss of Deputy May has left the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the local community in mourning. Sheriff Adkinson spoke emotionally about the impact May’s death has had on his team and the community. “It’s unfathomable to me that Will is not here. It is just a loss that we can’t comprehend. But there’s absolutely nothing that he could have done differently,” the sheriff said.
Sheriff Adkinson also praised Deputy May’s bravery, noting that even in his final moments, he fought back with every ounce of strength he had. “Deputy May’s actions show his incredible dedication to duty, and he displayed tremendous courage in the face of danger,” he stated. “He made sure to protect others and keep fighting, even when the situation was dire.”
Deputy William May had been with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office since 2014, starting his career as a communication officer before being promoted to deputy sheriff in 2019. He was described as a dedicated and hardworking public servant who volunteered for extra shifts to support his team. He leaves behind his wife and two children, who now face the heartbreaking loss of a beloved family member.
May’s death also highlights the risks law enforcement officers face in their daily duties. Despite the best preparations, including wearing a ballistic vest and following standard procedures, officers like May are still vulnerable to violent encounters that can turn deadly in an instant. Sheriff Adkinson remarked that this kind of interaction, in which deputies are called to respond to a disturbance, is something they handle routinely. “This is an interaction deputy sheriffs have every day in this county,” he explained. “But no one expected this kind of violence to erupt.”
The identity of the suspect remains unknown, but law enforcement officials have confirmed that the individual had a concealed weapons permit. They are currently investigating whether the suspect’s firearm was legally purchased. Additionally, authorities have revealed that the suspect had other firearms in his residence, though it is unclear if they were involved in the incident.
The suspect had been living in the Mossy Head area for several years, and authorities had interacted with him before on minor issues such as welfare checks. However, there was no indication of any violent tendencies or past behavior that would have suggested such an outcome.
Sheriff Adkinson expressed his disbelief over the violence that occurred. “It is just unfathomable that this happened. We never expect something like this to happen, especially not on a routine call,” he said. “But our officers are trained to handle such situations, and Deputy May showed extraordinary resolve and professionalism until the very end.”
Deputy May’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day in their work. Although they are trained to handle high-pressure situations and armed encounters, no amount of preparation can fully shield them from the risks they take to protect the public. May’s bravery and commitment to his job will not be forgotten, and his sacrifice serves as a testament to the risks officers are willing to face to ensure the safety of others.
As authorities continue their investigation into the events that led to this tragic incident, the community of Walton County has expressed an outpouring of support for the May family and the sheriff’s office. Tributes have poured in from local residents and law enforcement colleagues across the state, all honoring Deputy May’s legacy of service and sacrifice.
Deputy May’s death has left an irreplaceable void in the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. He is remembered not only as a dedicated law enforcement officer but as a loving husband, father, and friend. The entire community mourns the loss of a hero, and his memory will live on through the people whose lives he touched.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
