Even though he should not have been there for some reasons, a brave deputy sheriff’s life was tragically cut short after volunteering for an overtime shift.
38-year-old Deputy William May, a father of two, died heroically after being ambushed by a suspect during what should have been a routine trespassing call at a Dollar General store.
The deadly incident unfolded in Mossy Head, Florida, when Deputy May responded to a disturbance call at a Dollar General on Lancelot Road.
What began as a simple trespassing situation—in which the individual would not even be arrested—turned deadly within seconds.
Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson revealed the heartbreaking detail that May was not scheduled to work that day. He later declared:
“He was on his way home. He said, I will catch this on my way home. You know, his wife told me a couple of hours ago, ‘I asked him not go to work today. I just didn’t want you to go to work today. You don’t need to work overtime today.'”
After a brief discussion lasting only 10-15 seconds, Deputy May escorted the suspect out of the store.
What happened next shows how quickly situations can escalate for law enforcement.
“Within 10 seconds of the suspect walking out of the store with deputy May behind him that suspect drew a firearm and fired multiple rounds striking Deputy Will May,” Adkinson explained.
Despite being struck multiple times, Deputy May demonstrated extraordinary courage by returning fire, killing the suspect on the scene.
Although he was wearing a ballistic vest that stopped several rounds, one bullet went underneath his protective gear, causing fatal injuries.
After calling for assistance, May was rushed to North Okaloosa Medical Center, where surgeons worked desperately for four hours to save his life.
Still, he died from his injuries, leaving behind a grieving wife and two children.
May’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily while protecting communities.
As a second-generation public servant in Walton County, his commitment to service ran deep, and his ultimate sacrifice deserves our utmost respect and gratitude.
The heartbreaking reality that May lost his life during a shift he was not even scheduled to work makes this tragedy even more devastating for his loved ones and colleagues.
This senseless attack on a law enforcement officer performing his duty serves as a reminder of the increasing dangers facing those who protect and serve our communities.
Deputy William May’s courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten as his community mourns this devastating loss.
