One Florida-employed sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed while officially responding to a call about domestic violence this past Christmas Eve, as explained by area authorities.
A five-year veteran and member of the Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office (OCSO) Special Response Team, Cpl. Ray Hamilton finally succumbed to the injuries sustained while attempting to recover at a hospital Saturday afternoon in the wake of a long standoff at a private residence located in Fort Walton Beach, as reported by press releases from OCSO. 43-year-old Timothy Price-Williams, the suspect responsible for the fatal attack, was officially detained and currently has been slammed with charges of premeditated murder.
OCSO had managed to secure a warrant for Price-Williams in relation to a domestic violence battery charge, but authorities explained that the man refused to leave his townhome residence. “The victim reported Saturday morning that Price-Williams had slapped her in the face and shoved her during an argument the night before, taking away her phone so she could not call 9-1-1 for help,” OCSO stated.
“The OCSO Special Response Team was summoned to try to negotiate with Price-Williams to give himself up peacefully,” explained OCSO. “Several deputies, including Corporal Ray Hamilton, entered an area behind the backyard fence of the premises to help establish a safe perimeter. Once they got into position, shots were fired from inside the home and Corporal Hamilton was struck.”
In the wake of the incident, Hamilton was moved to HCA Florida Fort Walton Beach-Destin Hospital where he eventually succumbed to his injuries at roughly 3 p.m. local time, explained police officials.
“We are devastated by the grief of losing Corporal Hamilton, a deputy who was a ray of sunshine in the OCSO, dedicated to protecting others,” stated Eric Aden, the area sheriff. “We appreciate the endless stream of words of support that have come in for his family and his co-workers as we face this heartbreaking loss of a profoundly loved and respected friend, public servant, and hero.”
A social media post from the National Fraternal Order of Police stated, “Please pray for the friend and family of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence situation. The violence against our law enforcement MUST STOP!”
As one point during the standoff, Price-Williams rushed out of the home “in a manner that caused another deputy to fire on him, injuring Price-Williams in his right arm,” stated OCSO. Price-Williams was issued medical assistance at the hospital and was then moved to an areal jail, explained police officials.
