Manslaughter charges filed against former police officer in shooting of Roger Fortson

FORT WALTON BEACH – The former Okaloosa County sheriff's deputy who shot and killed U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson is charged with manslaughter with a firearm.

According to a news release from the district attorney's office, an arrest warrant has been issued for former Deputy Eddie Duran. District Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden's office said Duran could face a 30-year prison sentence if convicted.

The shooting occurred on May 3. Duran responded to an apparent 911 call for a disturbance at Fortson's apartment complex. Duran arrived on the scene and knocked on Fortson's apartment door. Fortson opened the door while holding a gun in his right hand and pointing at the ground. Duran opened fire.