NewsAirman killed by police in tragic identity mix-up: questions arise

Airman killed by police in tragic identity mix‑up: questions arise

Shocking mistake in the United States: Police officers mistakenly shoot an airman

Roger Fortson died in the hospital.

Images source: © AP News

9 May 2024 | updated: 9 May 2024 10:00

In a harrowing event, police officers mistakenly shot Roger Fortson, a 23-year-old who served in the United States Air Force. The officers were believed to have confused his apartment with another, discharging their weapons six times.

AP News agency has reported this event, highlighting a tragic case of mistaken identity leading to fatal consequences. Roger Fortson, stationed at the Special Operations Wing in Hurlburt, Okaloosa County, Florida, fell victim to this erroneous act.

The call to police was made initially due to a dispute between a woman and a man. During this time, Fortson was engaged in a FaceTime conversation with a woman alone in his apartment. Unheard by Fortson, officers knocked and announced their presence without response. Peering through the peephole after repeated knocking, Fortson saw no one and, concerned for his safety, reached for his legally owned weapon. It was at this critical moment that officers entered the apartment and, seeing Fortson armed, fired six shots into his chest. Fortson succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.

Fortson was an aviator assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron, which participated in special missions. His duties included loading guns on the AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft, which played a critical role in the warship's operation, as AP News reported.

The glaring question arises: Did the police inadvertently enter the wrong apartment? The suggestion has been made by Ben Crump, a lawyer representing the family, as reported by military.com. Crump argues that the narrative of Fortson posing a threat, as proposed by law enforcement, clashes with witness statements. He emphasizes that Fortson was alone and not causing disturbances at the time of the shooting.

Crump has called for transparency in the investigation of Fortson's death and has requested the immediate release of recordings to the bereaved family, voicing his demand on the X service.

Further casting shadows on the sheriff's department's operations, GulfLive has brought attention to a recent inspection triggered by an incident involving a deputy who misinterpreted an acorn falling on a vehicle as a gunshot from a suspect. This incident adds to the concerns surrounding the competency and judgment of the involved law enforcement personnel.