Florida Deputy Killed in Shootout Outside Dollar General Store

Tragedy struck in Walton County, Florida, as Deputy Will May, 38, lost his life in a shootout outside a Dollar General store on Wednesday. The incident unfolded after May responded to a trespassing call around 2 p.m., a routine matter that escalated into something far darker.

May briefly spoke with the suspect inside the store before escorting him outside. In a shocking turn, the suspect drew a firearm and opened fire on the deputy, according to Sheriff Michael Adkinson. Despite being gravely injured, May managed to return fire, fatally wounding the assailant. He also radioed for help, demonstrating extraordinary presence of mind under unimaginable circumstances.

Other deputies arrived shortly after and attempted to save May, but he succumbed to his injuries four hours later at the hospital. Sheriff Adkinson praised May’s courage, noting that he fought valiantly from the moment of the attack to his final moments. "[Deputy] Will fought the entire time, from returning fire on the scene to fighting for his own life," Adkinson said.

The shootout took place in Mossy Head near DeFuniak Springs, with at least 18 rounds fired. The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, had no prior arrests or indications of violent behavior, though he was a concealed weapon permit holder and had other firearms at his residence. "There was nothing that would indicate any level of violence," Adkinson added.

Deputy May, who joined the sheriff’s office as a communications officer in 2014 and became a deputy in 2019, leaves behind a wife and two teenage children. He wasn’t even scheduled to work that day but came in to assist—a testament to his dedication to duty. Tragically, this call was the last of his shift.

While May wore a ballistic vest, one bullet managed to slip beneath it, ultimately causing his death. Sheriff Adkinson emphasized that May’s actions were tactically sound, but the randomness of violence leaves the community grappling with grief and unanswered questions.

This senseless loss serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day, even in seemingly routine situations. Walton County mourns the loss of a hero who exemplified bravery and commitment to his community.