Crime of the Week
If you have any information about these crimes or any person(s) involved, you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at or submit a Web Tip . You do not have to give your name. CRIME STOPPERS will pay a cash reward of up to $3,000 and you can remain anonymous.
Public Asked to Help OCSO Find Thief Stealing from Destin Charity Organization
November 26, 2012
The freezer, which had recently been purchased, was damaged when the man beat the locking mechanism off of the freezer door and will cost approximately six-hundred dollars to replace.
Harvest House employees say luckily, the vast majority of food had already been distributed during Thanksgiving week, but the man did steal an estimated fifteen frozen chickens left inside. He was also seen walking to the donation area and removing light bulbs and items from several boxes.
Video surveillance revealed that the thief was wearing an oversized sweat suit and it also appeared to show a trailer hitch attached to the SUV. He left the scene around 10:38 p.m.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS.
Attempt to Identify Destin Robbery Suspect
October 27, 2012
Crestview Restaurant Robbed at Gunpoint
October 14, 2012
When Officers arrived on scene, it was determined that three black males, who concealed their faces with t-shirts, entered into the business armed with a black revolver, and demanded money from the cashier. When the cashier handed them the money from the register, they then took a tip jar off of the counter and fled the business.
The three suspects then fled the business on foot, running south on Ferdon Boulevard. The suspects are described as three thin built black males, one covering his face with a red t-shirt, and two covering their faces with white t-shirts. The three suspects are believed to be in their teens or early twenties.
The Crestview Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division continues to investigate this case, and the suspects have not been identified in this case at this time. Anyone with information in reference to this case is asked to contact the Crestview Police Department at 850-682-3544. Or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS (8477).
Info Sought in Recent Robberies
September 29, 2012
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office is investigating a series of recent robberies of businesses and individuals since September 29th. Investigators are working to determine if the crimes are connected, noting they share a number of similar characteristics.
The most recent robbery took place on October 9th around 11:30 p.m. when an employee of Sonny’s Barbecue on Beal Parkway walking to his car says a man came up from behind him, pointed a gun at him, and demanded his wallet. The robber then ran across Patrick Drive. He is described as a black male, approximately 5’8" tall, weighing 160 pounds and wearing a light colored shirt, long shorts, a black due rag on his head and a piece of black clothing over his face. A second black male was seen meeting the robber. They both then ran away.
Two other cases include an armed home invasion robbery on Willow Grove Lane and the robbery of two females on Dell Road in Fort Walton Beach, both on the night of September 29th.The next evening, September 30th, an employee at Cash’s Liquor Store on Miracle Strip Parkway in Mary Esther says she was hit in the head and robbed of a bank bag as she walked to her car; and a man reported being robbed of his cash and a cell phone in the City of Fort Walton Beach after he gave a ride to three males.
Business owners and citizens alike should be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS.
Info Sought in FWB Home Invasion Robbery
September 29, 2012
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported home invasion robbery that took place around 12:30 a.m. on the morning of September 29th at residence on Willow Grove Lane in Fort Walton Beach. The victim stated that he was sleeping at the residence when he heard a loud noise and then two males entered his bedroom and demanded money. One of the suspects was armed with a black handgun. When the suspects were unable to find the victim’s wallet, they struck the victim in the face and then fled the residence. The victim was unable to provide a description of the suspects but believed they were possibly black males.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL EMERALD COAST CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-850-863-TIPS (8477) or toll-free at 1-888-654-TIPS. Log onto www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com or text your info to CRIMES (274637) and put tip214 plus your message.
Info Sought in FWB Burglary & Criminal Mischief
August 06, 2012
Info Sought in Convenience Store Robbery
July 10, 2012
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed robbery that occurred at a Mary Esther convenience store during the early morning hours of 07/10/2012.
Deputies responded to a robbery at the Tom Thumb Store located at 1480 US Highway 98 in Mary Esther at approximately 3:05 a.m.
Witnesses stated two black males came into the store armed with knives. The suspects demanded cash and also took some tobacco products then fled on foot behind the store towards Rush Park Circle.
One of the suspects was wearing a light gray colored hoodie, with dark pants and white tennis shoes. The other suspect had on a brown colored hoodie with dark pants and dark tennis shoes. Both suspects were wearing bandanas on their faces and are described as having normal builds and were approximately 6” tall.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ROBBERY WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL EMERALD COAST CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-850-863-TIPS (8477) or toll-free at 1-888-654-TIPS. Log onto www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com or text your info to CRIMES (274637) and put tip214 plus your message.
Crestview Robbery Suspects Sought
April 28, 2012
Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and the Crestview Police Department are trying to identify four suspects that robbed an Exxon Gas Station on April 28, 2012. At approximately 10:45 p.m., four black suspects walked in the store located on Main Street and demanded money from the clerk at gunpoint.
The four suspects are described as:
1. Black male suspect - 6`2" tall, large build, wearing a red shirt, black shorts, black stocking hat and black shoes. Suspect concealed his face with a pink shirt.
2. Black male suspect - 5`7" tall, medium build, wearing a black short sleeve shirt, dark colored pants, black shoes with white soles and a black "Red Devil" mask.
3. Black male suspect - 6` tall, medium build, wearing black short sleeve shirt (possibly LSU), long black shorts with grey and white athletic shoes. He had pn a black ball cap and black ski mask.
4. Black possibly female suspect - 5`7" tall, heavy set, wearing a white short sleeve shirt (possibly LSU) and long khaki pants. She was wearing glasses with dark frames and had a purple shirt covering her face.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL EMERALD COAST CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-850-863-TIPS (8477) or toll-free at 1-888-654-TIPS. Log onto www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com or text your info to CRIMES (274637) and put tip214 plus your message.
Vandals Strike Shalimar Neighborhood
April 28, 2012
Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and the Okaloosa County Sheriff`s Office are asking for information about recent vadalism that occurred in the Shalimar Pointe Drive sometime overnight April 27 to April 28. Residents woke up to find that their vehicles and homes had been spray painted with obsene and offensive images. The Shalimar Golf Course was also vandalized.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VANDALISM WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL EMERALD COAST CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-850-863-TIPS (8477) or toll-free at 1-888-654-TIPS. Log onto www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com or text your info to CRIMES (274637) and put tip214 plus your message.
Attempt to Identify Theft Suspect
February 28, 2012
***SUSPECT IDENTIFIED***
Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and the Okaloosa County Sheriff`s Office are attempting to identify a man that stole two rings from two separate jewelry stores in Santa Rosa Mall. On 02/28/2012 at approximately 7:50 p.m., a white male suspect walked into the jewelry store and asked the clerk to see a 1/2 ct. blue diamond ring and when the clerk handed the suspect the ring, he took off running. On 02/29/2012 at approximately 8:00 p.m., the same suspect went into another jewelry store in Santa Rosa Mall and told the clerk he was interested in a 1/2 ct. blue diamond ring. When the clerk pulled the ring out of the case the suspect snatched the ring out of the clerk`s hand and fled. The rings were valued at $859.00 each.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 29-35 years old, 5`11-6` tall, blue eyes and had large holes in his ears but no earrings at the time.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SUSPECT`S IDENTITY WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL EMERALD COAST CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-850-863-TIPS (8477) or toll-free at 1-888-654-TIPS. Log onto www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com or text your info to CRIMES (274637) and put tip214 plus your message.
$1,000 Reward Offered for Info that Leads to Arrest in Deadly FWB Home Invasion Robbery
January 26, 2012
***SUSPECTS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED***
Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and the Fort Walton Beach Police Department are seeking information in a homicide investigation. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on January 26, 2012, police responded to a home invasion at 35 Alder Avenue in FWB. A male victim, living within the home, suffered a fatal gunshot wound. The victim was identified as 24-year old William “Will” Bowen.
Suspects are described as two black males who forced their way into the home, while a third waited outside, in an apparent home invasion robbery. The black males became involved in a struggle with the victim and during the episode the victim was shot. The suspects fled the area on foot and the witnesses could only provide a generic description of the suspects.
Suspect #1 – B/M, 5’8”-5’10”, 150-160 lbs., medium brown skin tone, athletic build, possible braided hair/afro. Wearing dark hooded sweatshirt and possibly blue jeans with dark bandana across face.
Suspect #2 – B/M, 6’2”-6’3”, 160-170 lbs., medium brown skin tone, wearing dark hooded sweatshirt and possibly blue jeans with dark bandana across face.
Suspect #3 – B/M, 5’4”-5’5”, heavy set, 175-200 lbs., dark brown skin tone, wearing a light color hooded sweatshirt with dark bandana across face.
Anyone with information about this incident may possibly become eligible for a cash reward of UP TO $1,000 by contacting Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 863-TIPS (863-8477), or toll-free at 1-888-654-TIPS. Information can also be provided anonymously by texting “TIP214 plus the message” to CRIMES (274637). Anonymous tips can also be submitted on-line at www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com. Crime Stoppers callers are never required to reveal their identity nor testify in court. A code number system is used to pay cash rewards without compromising the tipster’s identity.
Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information that helps solve crimes, or leads to the location of wanted fugitives, illegal drugs, or recovery of stolen property. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit, community organization; it is not a government program or law enforcement agency, and no taxpayer dollars are used in its reward fund.
Info Sought in Vandalism Investigation
January 01, 2012
Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and the Fort Walton Beach Police Department are asking for information about a vandalism that occurred on Chateaugay Street in Fort Walton Beach sometime overnight on Sunday, January 1, 2012.
The vehicle`s windows were all shattered, all four tires slashed, and the paint was scratched on the driver`s side door and hood. Sugar was also poured on the windshield and hood. The total damage to the vehicle was estimated at over $15,000.
Anyone with information about this vandalism may possibly become eligible for a cash reward of UP TO $1,000 by contacting Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 863-TIPS (863-8477), or toll-free at 1-888-654-TIPS. Information can also be provided anonymously by texting “TIP214 plus the message” to CRIMES (274637). Anonymous tips can also be submitted on-line at www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com. Crime Stoppers callers are never required to reveal their identity nor testify in court. A code number system is used to pay cash rewards without compromising the tipster’s identity.
Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information that helps solve crimes, or leads to the location of wanted fugitives, illegal drugs, or recovery of stolen property. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit, community organization; it is not a government program or law enforcement agency, and no taxpayer dollars are used in its reward fund.
One Charged, One Suspect Sought in Destin Slaying
November 15, 2011
***CASE CLOSED WITH ARREST!!!***
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has arrested one suspect and is actively searching for a second suspect in connection with a deadly Destin shooting November 15th.
An active warrant signed 11/17/2011 charges 23-year old Daundros Blackshear of 229 Kennedy Drive in Crestview with murder and armed robbery. Blackshear’s whereabouts are currently unknown and anyone with information is asked to contact the OCSO at 850-689-5705 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS. The OCSO has also added charges of murder and robbery to two earlier crimes filed against 26-year old Arderius Warren of 795 S. Savage St. in Crestview.
21-year old Junior Christopher Ferguson of Jamaica died after being shot multiple times while he sat in a car in the parking lot at the Gulf Terrace Condominiums. A friend, Peter Frazer was shot once in the right shoulder and survived.
Frazer told investigators he had made arrangements with Warren to buy five cellular phones and agreed to meet him at 4000 Gulf Terrace Drive for the exchange on the evening of November 15th. Frazer says Warren arrived with two other men and when Frazer gave Warren the cash, one of those men, later identified as Blackshear, pulled out a gun, and began shooting.
Blackshear is believed to be armed and dangerous and members of the public should not attempt to approach him; call 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement agency to report his location. You can also contact Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and you do not have to give your name. Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward of up to one-thousand dollars if your information leads to Blackshear’s arrest.
Info Sought in Robbery of Individual
September 18, 2011
Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office are asking for information about a reported robbery of an individual that occurred on Racetrack Road in Fort Walton Beach on September 18, 2011.
At approximately 6:20 a.m., the victim reported that he stopped at the AOC Bait Shop located at 306 NW Racetrack Road and was approached by a black male as he was leaving. The victim stated that the suspect struck him repeatedly in the head and demanded his wallet. The suspect then fled on foot in the area of the Capri Commons Mobile Home Park.
Suspect description:
Heavyset black male with short, cropped hair,approximately 5’9”. Suspect was wearing a striped yellow shirt and shorts.
Anybody with information about these robbery may contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office or may possibly become eligible for a cash reward of UP TO $1,000 by contacting Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 863-TIP (863-8477), or toll-free at 1-888-654-TIPS. Information can also be provided anonymously by texting “TIP214 plus the message” to CRIMES (274637). Anonymous tips can also be submitted on-line at www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com. Crime Stoppers callers are never required to reveal their identity nor testify in court. A code number system is used to pay cash rewards without compromising the tipster’s identity.
Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information that helps solve crimes, or leads to the location of wanted fugitives, illegal drugs, or recovery of stolen property. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit, community organization; it is not a government program or law enforcement agency, and no taxpayer dollars are used in its reward fund.
Suspect Named in Destin Bank Robbery
September 14, 2011
***SUSPECT ARRESTED!!***
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is seeking 21-year old Gavin Mitchell Forrest in connection with the armed robbery of the Hancock Bank on Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin Monday evening.
Forrest was captured on video surveillance around 4:45 p.m. Monday as he entered the bank and demanded money from a teller.
He was last seen heading west down a narrow alley on the west side of the building.
An intense search of the surrounding area was conducted and Forrest, whose last known address is 48 Court Drive in Destin, was soon developed as a suspect.
No one in the bank was injured.
Anyone with information on Forrest’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS.
Info Sought in Niceville Home Invasion Robbery
August 31, 2011
Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers and the Niceville Police Department are asking for the public`s assistance in a home invasion robbery investigation.
On August 31, 2011, three armed subjects, wearing blue bandannas, reportedly entered a residence on Cape Lane and two occupants were held at gunpoint. One victim was forced to lure other family members back to the residence. Approximately 2 hours later the other family members arrived and were reportedly robbed at gunpoint by the unknown suspects. The suspects stole a purse and vehicle then fled the area. No one was injured during the altercation. The stolen vehicle was recovered 09/07/2011 on Patti Cove in Niceville, approximately one mile from the incident location.
Suspect descriptions: All wore blue bandannas covering their faces.
1 white male, approximately 5`8"-5`9", dark shaggy hair, and wore flip flops.
1 black male, with an accent or speech impairment, approximately 6`0"- 6`1", had very dark complexion, short hair – like a fade.
1 hispanic or possibly light skin black male, approximately 5’6, had short hair, tribal tattoo on inside lower right arm and wore an orange hat.
Anyone with information about this crime should contact Dt. Rhonda Willis or Lt. Joe Whitfield at 850-729-4030 or contact Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 850-863-TIPS (8477) or by submitting a web tip at: www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com. If the tip results in an arrest, you may be eligible for a reward of UP TO $1,000.
Info Sought in Reported Shalimar Home Invasion Robbery
August 01, 2011
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a home invasion robbery that took place around 11 p.m. August 1st in Shalimar. No one was injured.
The victim at 10 Oak Lane says she was sleeping on her couch when she heard a knocked on the door. When she opened it, a man armed with a black handgun and wearing a black bandana over his face forced his way in and demanded money. Another man then entered and they took cash, a wallet, and a purse before running out and heading northbound on Oak Lane towards 8th Street.The first individual is described as a light-skinned black male. He was wearing a grey, hooded sweatshirt and dark shorts. The second individual is described as a dark-skinned black male wearing a black hooded sweat shirt and dark shorts.
Deputies quickly set up a perimeter in the area and called in a K-9 to try to establish a track but no suspects were located.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS.
Info Sought in Home Invasion Robbery
July 07, 2011
A Fort Walton Beach area woman says two men broke into her Cove Drive home early on the morning of July 7, 2011 and demanded money and jewelry at gunpoint.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office received the call of a home invasion robbery shortly before one a.m. at 548 Cove Drive.
Deborah Smith says she came out of her bathroom to find two men inside her house yelling for money and jewelry. One was armed with a silver handgun. According to Smith and other witnesses inside the house, the two robbers had items covering their faces. They left without taking any items and no one was hurt.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS.
Info Sought in Baker Business Burglaries
May 17, 2011
| Click to View Movie |
View Surveillance Video of Suspect at Health Smart Pharmacy Attempted Burglary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PihBGlCp70Y&feature=youtu.be
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of break-ins and attempted break-ins in the Baker community overnight on Monday, May 16th.
Cash was stolen from the Blooms over Baker Flower Shop on Highway 4 after the front door was pried open. Someone also pried open the front door at the Gator Café on Highway 4, but no money was taken from that site.
At the Country Girlz Hair Salon on Georgia Avenue, someone pried open the front window and ransacked the business. Nothing was reported stolen. Baker Tire Service Center on Highway 4 was also targeted. Someone entered and ransacked the office, making off with cash. In addition, deputies were called to Baker’s Health Smart Pharmacy on Highway 189 for an attempted burglary.
Investigators working the cases ask anyone with information on the crimes to contact the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office at 850-689-5705 or contact Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers anonymously at (850) 863-TIPS (8477) or toll-free at 1-888-654-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may also be submitted at www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com.
Info Sought in Armed Robbery
April 16, 2011
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an armed robbery where the thief pistol-whipped the business manager before stealing the cash.
Deputies responded to a hold-up alarm at the Pizza Hut Delivery store, 421 NE Racetrack Road, around 9:50 p.m. Friday, April 16th.
The manager says a man armed with a black handgun came in and hit her with the gun before taking money and leaving. He was last seen walking towards Miler Street.
He’s described as a skinny black male, about 18 to 25 years old, and 5’6” to 5’8” tall. He has short cropped black hair, possibly shaved on the sides. He had a dark do-rag over his face below the nose and wore a black, v-neck T-shirt with a possible design or logo on the front. He also had on dark navy jean shorts with gold stitching that extended below the knees, and embroidery on both back pockets with gold and white stitching.
Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 863-TIPS.
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