WALTON COUNTY, FL— A Santa Rosa Beach man has been arrested after firing multiple rounds into another vehicle in what is believed to have been a road rage incident Sunday, September 5^th.

Late that night, deputies responded to the intersection of MC Davis Boulevard and Highway 98 East following a 911 call regarding shots fired. The caller stated that the driver of a red SUV fire several rounds at her vehicle while she was passing the SUV in the right lane westbound on Highway 98. The caller was able to provide a tag number and vehicle description.

Deputies immediately began canvassing the area and located the vehicle near the intersection of Highway 98 and US Highway 331 South. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was quickly detained.

Deputies located several shell casings lying in the front passenger seat of the suspect’s vehicle.

Terry Brown, 63, was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and discharging a firearm into a vehicle.

September 20, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A rash of car burglaries has been reported in Walton County resulting in four guns stolen from unlocked vehicles.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating 25 vehicle burglaries that occurred over the weekend in Miramar Beach.

The burglaries took place at the following locations:

• 1 vehicle burglary reported on Walton Drive
• 2 vehicle burglaries reported on Lakeland Drive
• 5 vehicle burglaries reported on Linkside Drive
• 5 vehicle burglaries reported in Sandestin Estates
• 13 vehicle burglaries reported in Carson Oaks

During the burglaries in the Carson Oaks subdivision, two Glock handguns and two shotguns were taken by the suspects.

Multiple surveillance cameras in the area have been reviewed and WCSO investigators believe the same suspects responsible for burglaries in our county are also being sought by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for burglaries throughout Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Baker. (SEE POST OF BAKER BURGLARY SUSPECTS BY EMERALD COAST CRIME STOPPERS)

Walton County Sheriff’s Office continues to ask the public to lock their vehicles and remove any firearms and valuables.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

A collective bargaining negotiation meeting is scheduled to be held Monday, September 27th at 1 pm at the Walton County Sheriff’s Office north administration building in DeFuniak Springs.

The negotiating teams represent the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Professional Firefighters of Walton County.

The meeting will be held in the cypress room at 752 Triple G Road, Defuniak Springs.

A domestic violence incident leads to the search of a Westville man’s home who is now facing an aggravated battery with a deadly weapon charge and multiple weapons violations.

On September 7^th, Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic violence call at a home on Icie Pine Road in Westville.

The victim told deputies she was attempting to get her belongings from the house when Steven Bartlett, 49, shoved a pistol in her face. The victim had visible injuries to the side of her mouth.

By the time deputies arrive at the home, Bartlett had fled the area.

On September 23^rd, a search warrant was executed at the Westville home by Walton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau.

During the search, investigators found three firearms, a rifle, a pistol, and a shotgun, inside the house as well as ammunition and a clear plastic bag containing methamphetamine.

Bartlett was subsequently arrested and faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a felon, two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition when person is subject to an injunction against committing acts of domestic violence, and possession of a controlled substance.

His bond was set at $25,000 dollars. Bartlett is still incarcerated at the time of this press release.

October 1, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Two Walton County Sheriff’s Office employees are selected for the inaugural United Way Emerald Coast Emergency Leaders 40 under 40 class of 2021.

On Thursday, September 9, 2021, Lieutenant Khaliqa Wheatley and Chief Jeremy Radney were selected for the recognition, which aims to highlight Okaloosa and Walton counties’ top young leaders who excel in the areas of leadership, community involvement, and professional accomplishment.

Recipients of the inaugural 40 Under 40 award honor were selected by an anonymous review committee of the United Way Emerald Coast out of more than 100 nominations.

“These two are a shining example of excelling leaders in the public safety arena,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “We couldn’t be more proud of them receiving this honor while selflessly serving their community.”

Awardees were celebrated at a reception on September 24th after receiving complimentary headshots.

A new program created by Walton County Sheriff’s Office is hoping to motivate residents to take a hard look at their homes addressing.

When seconds can save a life, first responders responding to an emergency want to find the location quickly. If a home or residential address isn’t clearly visible, response times can slip away and put lives in danger.

Now, WCSO is initiating a program that can assist residents in providing clear home addressing.

The newly launched “Sign Up, Stand Out” program is designed to provide home owners in Walton County with large, reflective 911 address signs installed on their property in a location visible from the roadway.

“Most don’t think of it,” says Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “But in the rural areas of the county, this need is critical.

The Sign Up, Stand Out program is about protecting the residents of our community by providing them with a simple resource that can make a significant difference when it really counts.”

Walton County Sheriff’s Office is introducing the program by reaching out to residents who are currently a part of our Handle with Care and Safety Net programs to ensure those with special needs are identified.

Residents who feel they would benefit from this program are encouraged to fill out a Sign Up, Stand Out form on the Walton County Sheriff’s Office website at waltonso.org.

Once the information is submitted, the address will be added to a list and a member of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office will reach out to set up an installation date.

“This is another service we can provide to help keep our citizens safe and better serve our community,” said Adkinson.

Sign up for the Sign Up, Stand Out program here.

October 14, 2021

DeFuniak Springs, FLA— A search warrant leads to the discovery of more than a pound of methamphetamine. Now, a DeFuniak Springs man faces felony charges.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office VICE/Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant Thursday morning at 364 Mixon Road in DeFuniak Springs and a 10-acre property just adjacent to the home.

Investigators located more than a pound of methamphetamine, ammunition, $23,419 in U.S. currency, and drug paraphernalia inside the house. A stolen camper out of Andalusia, Alabama was located on the adjoining property as well as a stolen Ford Mustang out of Santa Rosa Beach.

Joseph Fletcher Lee, 46, is charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, dealing in stolen property, and possession of drug paraphernalia.In addition, Lee is wanted out of Covington County, Alabama for trafficking methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, and carrying a weapon without a permit.

This arrest is the result of a five-month-long joint investigation by Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the 22^nd Judicial Drug Task Force out of Alabama, and Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.

Walton County Fire Rescue firefighters knock down flames engulfing a mobile home in Choctaw Beach.

At 7:52 p.m. on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a structure fire on Juniper Drive in Choctaw Beach. The caller stated she could see flames coming from a mobile home next door and was unsure if anyone was trapped inside. Walton County Fire Rescue and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene to find flames billowing out of the windows of the mobile home. Fortunately, the resident of the home made it out of the house safely before first responders made it to the scene.

Walton County Fire Rescue crews were able to quickly contain the fire, preventing the blaze from spreading to nearby homes.

Unfortunately, two dogs were found deceased in the home.

The fire was caused by grease left unattended on the stove in the kitchen.

With the holiday season approaching, Fire Chief Tracey Vause would like to remind everyone to keep a close watch on food cooking on a stove top and inside an oven, especially when cooking with any kind of oil or grease. Never leave your stove unattended, and always double check the kitchen before you leave to ensure all appliances are turned off.

November 6, 2021

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A 43-year-old Miramar Beach woman has been taken into custody following a shooting Friday night.

Jennifer Marie Greer was arrested with the assistance of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Okaloosa County Jail at 5 am Saturday on an open count of murder.

Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to Pointe of View Condominiums just before 9 pm Friday following a 9-1-1 call. When deputies arrived, they located an unresponsive male inside one of the condos. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators quickly identified Greer as a person of interest and she was located a short time later in Okaloosa County. She was issued no bond and will be extradited to Walton County to face charges.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office for their assistance during the investigation.

November 21, 2021 

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— An Ormond Beach man is in custody after a short pursuit with a stolen vehicle Sunday. 

Walton County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by the Florida Highway Patrol of a reckless vehicle traveling west through Holmes County on Interstate 10. The tag showed the vehicle was stolen out of Volusia County.  

Deputies caught up with the car coming over the Mossy Head overpass. The driver, later identified as Derick Gray, 20, made a U-turn on I-10 and exited onto 285 north.  

After turning eastbound on Highway 90, Gray pulled behind Simply Good BBQ stopping the car near the wood line. 

Gray attempted to flee on foot but was captured moments later after a resident discovered he was hiding in his shed. He was arrested and transported to the Walton County Jail. He is charged with fleeing and eluding, grand theft auto, and operating a vehicle without a license.  

November 22, 2021

TAMPA, Fla— Walton County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the graduation of Sergeant Tabitha Lewis from the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Florida Leadership Academy, Class 49.

Forty-one first-line supervisors representing 35 criminal justice agencies throughout the state graduated Friday at Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa.

The graduates met for four week-long sessions, learning skills necessary to support the needs of their agencies and their communities as they prepare for future challenges.

The goal of the Florida Leadership Academy is to prepare first-line supervisors in criminal justice organizations to exemplify the character and integrity expected of criminal justice professionals and to examine the various components necessary to being an efficient leader.

“Tabitha is well on her way to becoming a rising leader at our agency,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Her dedication and drive have proven she is committed to serving her community in a leadership role.”

The Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute, which is housed within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and affiliated with the State University System, was established in 1990 by the Florida Legislature to address the need for an innovative and multi-faceted approach to education and training of criminal justice professionals.

December 1, 2021

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla— Four men incarcerated at the Walton County Jail will now have an opportunity for a brighter future once released back into the community.

On Wednesday a graduation was held for inmates celebrating the completion of the jail’s first Heavy Equipment Operator course with Heavy Equipment Colleges of American Adaptable Equipment Proficiency Testing (ADEPT) certification.

David Lewis, Jr., Trevor Laughlin, and Johnny Pruett, all received a Certificate of Achievement with the exception of and Clifton Galloway who was released prior to graduation and did not attend.

“These men have made me very proud,” said Walton County Jail Vocational Instructor Mark Simmons. “They’ve worked hard and have earned this recognition.”

Simmons and Detention Deputy David Nelson received their ADEPT Practical Examiner certification in July through Heavy Equipment Colleges of America.

While Simmons teaches participants the machinery, Nelson assists with the program by testing inmates. The practical exams and the written exams are then sent to Heavy Equipment Colleges of America for grading.

All four men passed the ADEPT proficiency test and will receive a certificate from Heavy Equipment Colleges of America.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office first offered the Heavy Equipment class in August of 2018 and since then have graduated 23 inmates. COVID temporarily shut down all vocational programs from July 2020 to October 2021.

During the course, participants learn how to operate five pieces of equipment: backhoe, excavator, front-end loader, dozier, and skid steer. In addition, they must learn the extensive safety protocol necessary for operating the equipment.

In order for an inmate to be considered for vocational programs they are thoroughly vetted through the jail’s classification process and must be interested in taking the course.

FREEPORT, FL— Walton County Fire Rescue firefighters save a Freeport family’s home after a fire breaks out in their garage.

At 1:03 a.m. on Monday, December 6^th, Walton County Fire Rescue and Walton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a home on Lagrange Road following a 911 call reporting smoke and flames coming from a residential garage.

In less than ten minutes, Walton County Fire Rescue arrived on scene to find the attached garage of a home fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters immediately began fighting the flames and searched the house to make sure no one was trapped in the smoke-filled home.

Fortunately, all residents made it out of the home safely and no one was harmed in the fire. Walton County Fire Rescue was able to contain the flames to the garage, saving the family’s home from further damage.

“This is the second home our firefighters have managed to save so far this holiday season” says Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “Because of the quick action of these men and women, another family will still have a place to call home on Christmas.”

The fire caused severe damage to two vehicles and a motorcycle being stored in the garage.

American Red Cross was contacted to assist the family. The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire.

December 6, 2021

FREEPORT, Fla— Two men are facing felony charges following an unusual string of burglaries in Walton County.

Between November 20^th and November 28^th Walton County Sheriff’s Office received four separate reports in reference to the theft of pool equipment and outdoor patio furniture totaling more than $10,000 in losses.

During the investigation into these incidents, a video was obtained showing two white males driving an older model white GMC Savana utility van utilizing a toolbox to steal the equipment.

Following a tip to Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers, Michael Rice, 41, and Christopher King, 53, were identified as persons of interest.

On December 3^rd, Walton County Sheriff’s Office located King working in Freeport and conducted a traffic stop for driving with a tag not assigned to the vehicle.

King was interviewed and later admitted to all four crimes. Rice was later arrested and also admitted to participating in two of the burglaries.

Rice is charged with two counts of grand theft and one count of criminal mischief. King is charged with four counts of grand theft, attaching a license plate not assigned to a vehicle, and criminal mischief.

Both men received a $5,000 bond and were released the following day.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers for their assistance during this investigation.

December 16, 2021

A Defuniak Springs man is found guilty of attempted murder and now faces up to life in prison.

Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit, announced Wednesday that on December 8th a Walton County jury found Jimi McDonald guilty of attempted first-degree murder, shooting into a dwelling, aggravated assault, child abuse, and violation of a domestic violence injunction among other charges.

On April 28, 2019, Jimi McDonald, then 46, broke into the home and shot a female in the arm, and fled the area in his truck. The truck had a tire blow out and McDonald ditched the vehicle off Punch Bowl Road in DeFuniak Springs shortly after fleeing the scene.

A deputy spotted McDonald walking down Punch Bowl Road and attempted to make contact with him. McDonald fled into the woods and deputies set up a perimeter around the location.

Walton Correctional K9 Team responded and was able to quickly track McDonald to a hunting blind in a wooded area. McDonald was taken into custody without further incident.

During the investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement forensically linked the casings and projectiles located at the home to the firearm located in the woods near where McDonald was found.

Circuit Court Judge Kelvin Wells presided over the trial. McDonald faces up to life in Florida’s Department of Corrections with a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty-five years.

Sentencing is currently set for March 15, 2022.

The Defendant was convicted following a joint effort from the Office of the State Attorney, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Walton Correctional Institution, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.  Assistant State Attorney, Josh Mitchell prosecuted this case.

Read the original story here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 10, 2022

WALTON COUNTY, Fla— Four are being charged with attempted murder for the January 2021 shooting that left a DeFuniak Springs woman paralyzed from the chest down.

Charges come a year to the day that changed the course of the victim’s life forever.

On the evening of January 10^th 2021, suspects fired more than 16 bullets at Juana Arano’s vehicle as she drove on Highway 90 in DeFuniak Springs. One of those bullets struck her in the back, severing her spinal cord, leaving her unable to feel anything below her sternum.

It was a shooting so senseless that suspects made a second pass at the vehicle, firing at a scared and confused Arano.

Unbeknownst to the suspects, they had not hit their intended target. While all four had the intention of violence that night in January Juana Arano became the victim in a case of mistaken identity.

It’s a day that still haunts Juana Arano in her dreams. But, the incident left the mother of two living a real-life nightmare; unable to move without the aid of a wheelchair.

“The hell the Arano family has gone through since that night has tested the very core of their beliefs,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “But, our community has rallied around them and justice is here.”

Over the last 12 months, Walton County Sheriff’s Office spent countless hours gathering video surveillance, phone records, and statements. Rewards were offered for information and investigators worked diligently despite uncertainties about motive and reason.

During the course of the investigation, information was gained identifying four suspects as having involvement in the “drive-by” style shooting.

Elijah Neal, 20, along with Glenda Hamilton, 23, Khalil Staley, 22, and Nicholas Campbell, 21, are being charged with conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and firing a gun into an occupied vehicle.

“While they were out walking around living normal lives, the Arano family was trying to navigate this tragic situation that has affected all of their lives,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “I am proud that our investigators can put this case to rest and bring peace to the victim and her family. Justice will be served.”

Elijah Neal was arrested on January 6^th and booked into the Walton County Jail.

Hamilton is currently incarcerated on unrelated charges and has been sentenced to 30 years in the Department of Corrections.

Nicholas Campbell turned himself in to the Walton County Jail Sunday, January 9^th.

Khalil Staley is still at large. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850)-892-8111 or you can remain anonymous by contacting Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at (850)-863-TIPS (8477). You could be eligible to receive a cash reward.

To donate to the Arano family, please visit their GoFundMe.

Read the original story here. Read the Juana Arano story on our Facebook page here.

January 13, 2022 

 MOSSY HEAD, FL — A fire engulfing a double-wide mobile home in Mossy Head leads to the arrest of a Walton County woman.  

Just after 6:30 pm Wednesday, Walton County Fire Rescue, DeFuniak Springs Fire Department, and Liberty Volunteer Fire Department responded to a residence on West Hibiscus Avenue following a 911 call from a neighbor reporting they could see smoke and flames coming from a nearby home.  

When first responders arrived on scene, there was heavy smoke and flames. Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control in approximately twenty minutes.  

The State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified and responded.  

Walton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies spoke to the woman who was inside the home at the time who said the situation got out of control after starting a fire in the fireplace. After speaking to the homeowner, it was clear the woman, later identified as Amelia Tucker, 33, did not have permission to be inside the trailer. 

During an investigation, it was learned Tucker had broken inside and had been staying there without permission since she was released from jail. 

Tucker was arrested for burglary and arson and was transported to the Walton County Jail.