Two suspects are in custody after an officer was assaulted on January 31, 2023.
At approximately 3:07 PM the DeFuniak Springs Police Department received a call that two individuals who were sitting in a car in the McDonalds parking lot were observed throwing trash onto the ground.
A DeFuniak Springs Officer made contact with the driver of the vehicle who gave the officer a fictitious identification.
During the interaction, the driver pulled a can of pepper spray and sprayed the officer in the face.
In fear, the officer pulled his service weapon and fired rounds at the driver.
The passenger fled the scene to a neighboring business and was later apprehended.
The driver fled the scene onto Coy Burgess Rd where the vehicle was found shortly after abandoned.
K-9 teams from Walton and Okaloosa Correctional were called to assist in tracking the suspect who had fled on foot. Deputies from Walton County arrived, and a perimeter was set up around the area. K-9 teams were able to successfully apprehend the driver.
At this time there is no public safety concerns, but this incident is still an active investigation and is being investigated by Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
Further information will be released in the next few days.
The officer is doing well and was treated at the scene by EMS. The suspects are in custody at the Walton County Jail.
