Who is Eddie Duran? Florida Deputy Who Fatally Shot Airman Roger Fortson Fired After Investigation

Eddie Duran (age 39, born in 1984) serves as a deputy in the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). He embarked on his career journey at OCSO in 2019.

However, in 2021, he decided to depart from his role to accompany his spouse, who had secured a career opportunity outside of Florida. Their journey led them back to Florida in 2023, where Deputy Duran resumed his duties at OCSO.

Upon his return to Florida, Deputy Duran took up a position with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). This role provided him with a schedule conducive to completing his undergraduate degree. After some time, Deputy Duran left DCF on good terms and rejoined the ranks of OCSO.

Regrettably, Deputy Duran’s tenure at OCSO faced a setback when he became involved in the fatal shooting of Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson.

Following a thorough internal investigation conducted by the agency’s internal affairs department, Deputy Duran was relieved of his duties.

What happened between Eddie Duran and Roger Fortson?

On May 3, 2024, Deputy Duran responded to a disturbance call, which he received both via radio and his Mobile Computer Terminal (MCT).

While on his way to the scene, he received updates indicating that the situation had escalated into a physical altercation, sourced from someone four steps removed from the incident.

Although Deputy Duran had previously answered calls at the apartment complex, he hadn’t dealt with apartment 1401 before, nor had he encountered any of the individuals involved.

Upon arrival, he parked his marked patrol vehicle in front of the leasing office, intending to speak with the leasing agent who had reported the disturbance to the Sheriff’s Office.

When Fortson opened his door, Duran discharged his firearm multiple times, resulting in Fortson sustaining injuries.

The body camera footage revealed that Fortson held a legally owned gun in his right hand, which was pointed toward the ground at the time of the shooting.

An internal affairs investigation by the sheriff’s office concluded that Fortson did not display any threatening actions, rendering Deputy Duran’s use of deadly force unreasonable.

External law enforcement experts echoed this sentiment, stating that the mere presence of a firearm does not justify the use of lethal force unless there is an imminent threat.

As of now, no criminal charges have been brought against Deputy Duran. However, an ongoing investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement remains active.

Duran has a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal psychology

Eddie Duran was born in 1984 in Florida, pursued a bachelor’s degree in criminal psychology, and after that did a master’s degree in human service counseling, specializing in crisis response and trauma.

From 2003 to 2014, Duran served in the United States Army, including a combat deployment to Iraq in 2008.

Initially serving in military intelligence, he transitioned to military law enforcement in 2007, where he received specialized training with the Army’s Special Reaction Team. He received an honorable discharge upon completion of his service.

Following his military tenure, Eddie embarked on his civilian law enforcement career in Oklahoma. From 2015 to 2019, he served as a police officer and K9 officer.

Additionally, he briefly held the position of fire marshal with the Altus Fire Department from 2016 to early 2017.

Eddie Duran FAQs

Ques: Who killed Roger Fortson?

Ans: Deputy Eddie Duran.

Ques: How old was Eddie Duran?

Ans: Duran is 39.

Ques: What is the name of Eddie Duran’s wife?

Ans: Ans: He is married, but his wife’s name hasn’t been disclosed