Police Blotter

Car crash leads to shooting investigation on Racetrack Road in Fort Walton Beach

Deputies responding to a reported accident discovered evidence of gunshot victim who later appeared at local hospital with wounds.

Jared Williams

A car crash call early Saturday morning turned into a shooting investigation after Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies found an abandoned vehicle and blood trail.

Deputies responded around 3:30 a.m. to reports of a car crash near 218 Racetrack Road. Upon arrival, they found a crashed van but no driver or passengers at the scene.

Investigators discovered evidence that someone who was bleeding had jumped a nearby fence. Shortly afterward, a Fort Walton Beach area man was located at an area hospital with a gunshot wound.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OCSO at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS, emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com, or via the P3 Mobile Tips application.

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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: March 25, 2026

“3 min 17 sec”

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RMunk commented on Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office tops 380 spring break citations with weeks still to go

“Haha, I've seen them (OCSO) do this. Group of kids at a beach house. Truck bed full of beer, pouring it all out in the front yard. The demoralizing factor...”

Barbara commented on Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office tops 380 spring break citations with weeks still to go

“There speeding through lights like mad. Racetrack and heading into Shalimar. They need tickets .”

JD Cameron commented on Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office tops 380 spring break citations with weeks still to go

“That’s right! Once they have killed someone while driving drunk they are fair game. Until then they are just goofing off, so leave them alone”

Woods Curle commented on Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office tops 380 spring break citations with weeks still to go

“Leave the spring breakers alone, unless they are drunk, rowdy and causing trouble. It's a spring tradition that helps young people learn to interact with strangers”

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“Yes, it’s called a trailer or mobile home, or a shed. The housing prices here are horrendous. The houses are very old, most areas are not very nice, and the...”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: March 23, 2026

“49 seconds”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: March 19, 2026

“????? plane?????”

Sodamnlucky58 commented on Okaloosa County explores paid parking at beaches, parks and boat ramps for non-county residents

“And every condo on OI with a parking lot will be inundated with “free parkers”. How will the county reimburse us for our enforcement of their laws?”