BAKER, Fla., Aug. 30, 2021—An attempted traffic stop near Baker led to an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy firing his weapon for self protection around 3:45 a.m. today.

No one was injured as a result of the incident.

After the deputy stopped the vehicle in question, the driver of the pickup truck jumped out and fled into the woods off Old River Road.

As the deputy gave chase, he said he noticed headlights swerving behind him and heard the pickup truck accelerating toward him.

A passenger had moved behind the wheel and was driving toward the deputy.

Fearing for his life, the deputy fired two shots at the truck as it continued down the road.

Old River Road was closed from Garrett Mill Road to the area north of Buck Ward Road while a search was conducted for individuals who fled the scene.

Three people have been detained for questioning.

Per standard protocols involving use of force, the deputy is on paid administrative leave while the OCSO Office of Professional Standards reviews the incident.

Its findings will be forwarded to the state attorney’s office for review and to Sheriff Eric Aden for evaluation to ensure policies were followed.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office news release