STATE ATTORNEY: DEPUTY JUSTIFIED IN MAY SHOOTING OF ARMED SUSPECT
On May 1, 2019, Walton County Deputy David Sanders was dispatched to a call of an aggravated battery which had occurred at 4156 State Highway 20 East, in Freeport, Florida. Deputy Sanders made contact with the suspect, Travis Leon Hayes, of Freeport, Florida. Hayes was armed with a knife and refused lawful commands to drop the knife. Hayes advanced on Deputy Sanders, threatening him with the knife and telling him to shoot him. Deputy Sanders shot Hayes several times as Hayes approached him. Hayes died as a result of his wounds.
Bill Eddins, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit, announced today that a review of a Walton County Deputy officer-related shooting death has been determined to be a justifiable use of deadly force.
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