In a heroic deed that many would praise, a deputy sheriff died defending his community after being ambushed while in a line duty shootout.
Despite wearing a ballistic vest, the 38-year-old Deputy William May was fatally wounded when a round found its way underneath his protection during what should have been a routine call.
May’s final act of courage was returning fire and eliminating the threat to public safety, even as he suffered mortal wounds.
The tragic shooting occurred in Mossy Head, Florida, where he had volunteered for an overtime shift on his scheduled day off.
He was responding to what appeared to be a simple trespassing call at a local Dollar General on Lancelot Road when the situation turned deadly.
According to Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson, the call involved a non-arrest situation in which an individual needed to be removed from the premises.
“The subject being dealt with was not even going to be arrested; they were simply asking him to leave,” Adkinson explained.
Deputy May escorted the suspect outside after a brief interaction inside the store. The peaceful nature of the encounter changed dramatically in just seconds.
“Within 10 seconds of the suspect walking out of the store with deputy May behind him that suspect drew a firearm and fired multiple rounds striking Deputy Will May,” Adkinsoin added.
In spite of being shot multiple times, Deputy May demonstrated remarkable courage by drawing his weapon and returning fire, killing the suspect on the scene.
Though wearing a ballistic vest that stopped several rounds, at least one bullet went underneath the protective gear, causing fatal injuries.
May managed to call for assistance and was transported to North Okaloosa Medical Center, where surgeons worked desperately for four hours to save his life, but he later succumbed to his injuries.
While the fallen deputy leaves behind a wife and two children, Sheriff Adkinson revealed a devastating detail about May’s final day:
“He was on his way home. He said, I will catch this on my way home. You know, his wife told me a couple of hours ago, ‘I asked him not go to work today. I just didn’t want you to go to work today. You don’t need to work overtime today.'”
Moreover, Deputy May was a second-generation public servant in Walton County, continuing a family tradition of protecting his community.
Sheriff Adkinson commended May’s actions during the confrontation, stating that the deputy “acted correctly and with courage” throughout the incident.
Adkinson also announced plans to support Deputy May’s family during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements for the fallen hero have not yet been announced.
The entire Walton County community mourns the loss of this dedicated public servant who gave his life in the line of duty.
