On 07/10/2021, at 4:21 AM, members of the DeFuniak Springs Police Department were notified that two females (16 years of age) were kidnaped at the boat ramp around Lake DeFuniak.
The victims advised DeFuniak Springs Police, they were sitting inside their vehicle at the DeFuniak Springs Lake Yard (Lake DeFuniak) when they were approached by a white male (later identified as Johnny Kirk) with a firearm.
The male began to tap on the window with the firearm and demanded their money. After realizing they did not have money, he requested they “get naked”.
Both females stated they told Kirk they were only 16 and Kirk recanted his request and made them take him to a motel in Crestview, Florida.
The victims’ stated they complied with Kirk’s request and gave him the ride dropping him off at a local motel. The victims were able to identify Kirk through Facebook.
Members of DeFuniak Springs Police began preparing warrants for aggravated assault, kidnapping, and carjacking.
Crestview Police Department (CPD) was notified of the incident. CPD attempted to locate Kirk near motels.
Meanwhile, information was obtained that Kirk had an active warrant for failure to appear out of Walton County. Members of the Crestview Police Department were able to find video evidence and clothing from Kirk in the area of a Crestview motel.
Shortly after attempts were made to locate Kirk, members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) reported a homicide that took place at the Shoal River Wayside Park, also known as Duggan Park, off State Road 85 south of Crestview.
OCSO sought a warrant for murder with Kirk being the suspect. Early Monday morning, Escambia County Deputies located Kirk, who was a passenger in a vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted and Kirk exchanged gunfire with Deputies while fleeing.
Kirk succumbed to his injuries. No bystanders or law enforcement officers were injured.
