A beloved local food truck owner was fatally wounded behind the Niceville CVS pharmacy Friday night, according to the Niceville Police Department.
Around 7:58 PM on February 9th, Niceville police received multiple 911 calls reporting a possible gunshot victim in a truck parked behind the CVS pharmacy.
Once officers arrived on scene, they observed a truck with 42-year-old Michael Ledford inside who was badly injured. The injury was not a gunshot wound, however, but “possibly caused by a sharp-edged weapon.” Officers immediately administered first aid while awaiting EMS.
- Ledford was transported by ambulance to Fort Walton-Destin Hospital where he later died from his injuries, according to the police statement.
While processing the crime scene, Niceville police were contacted by the mother of 24-year-old Dylan Deschaine, who stated her son had just told her he had “possibly hurt someone.” After several hours of negotiation with police, Deschaine peacefully surrendered after exiting a bathroom at the Cumberland Farms gas station in Niceville where he had been hiding.
Deschaine had injuries on his hands and was transported to Fort Walton-Destin Hospital by police before being remanded into custody at the Okaloosa County Jail. According to the Niceville PD statement, Deschaine faces additional pending charges as the investigation continues.
The State Attorney’s Office is working with Niceville PD on the open investigation. Several other agencies assisted Niceville police in the incident Friday night, including the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, FDLE agents, the North Adams Police Department in Massachusetts, the Medical Examiner’s Office and staff at Fort Walton-Destin Hospital.
The police statement asked that the privacy of the victim’s family be respected at this difficult time. Anyone with additional information related to the case should contact Detective Sergeant Horace Paine Jr. at (850) 420-4731 or hpaine@niceville.org.
GoFundMe
Ledford was just weeks shy of the grand opening of his new restaurant in Niceville. He was a husband and father to three children. If you would like to help out the Ledford Family during this difficult time, here’s how you can.
5 Responses
Senseless. So sad
Just so sad, prayers!
To the mother that reported her son, thank you mama. That was undoubtedly the hardest thing you’ve had to do. I’m right there with you. I understand. Much love to you and your son. I hope he makes a change in his life.
Why? Such a senseless act. Thank you mom for turning him in. This family’s life will be changed forever.
He was s great man he was my manager at bamboo ” sushi and hibachi” in niceville fl… he treated everyone like family never allowed disrespect…. always talk about his family he loved his kids… this is so sad… my condolences to his family he will be greatly missed