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An attempted traffic stop near Baker led to an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy firing his weapon for self-protection early this morning. The driver of the pickup truck jumped out and fled into the woods off Old River Road around 3:45 a.m. As the deputy gave chase, he says he noticed headlights swerving behind him and heard the pickup truck accelerating towards him. A passenger had gotten behind the wheel and was heading the deputy’s direction. Fearing for his life, the deputy fired two shots at the truck, which continued down the roadway. No one was injured as a result of the incident. Three people are currently detained and being questioned. 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 finding will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review, and to Sheriff Eric Aden for evaluation, to ensure agency policies were followed.
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