Tragic Loss of Walton County Deputy William May: 58-Year-Old Timothy Mark Jarvinen Identified as Shooter in Fatal Incident at Dollar General Store in DeFuniak Springs
A devastating incident has shaken the Walton County community, resulting in the tragic loss of Deputy William May. According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect responsible for shooting and killing Deputy May has been identified as 58-year-old Timothy Mark Jarvinen.¹
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the Dollar General store on Highway 90 in DeFuniak Springs. Reports indicate that Jarvinen, a resident of Shakespeare Court, biked to the store and became involved in a disturbance, refusing to leave the premises. Deputy May responded to the scene after receiving a call about the incident and began escorting Jarvinen out of the store.
In a shocking turn of events, Jarvinen reportedly pulled a gun on Deputy May, who fired at Jarvinen in response. Unfortunately, Jarvinen was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter.
*Background of Timothy Mark Jarvinen*
During a press conference, Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson Jr. discussed Jarvinen’s background, revealing that he had no history of violent behavior and was a concealed carry permit holder. Jarvinen had other weapons in his residence, but nothing indicated a propensity for violence, according to Sheriff Adkinson.
Court records show that Jarvinen had no criminal record in Walton County or Northwest Florida, although he had two past civil cases in the Walton County Clerk of Courts, both related to financial matters. Jarvinen had lived in the area for several years and had minor interactions with law enforcement, including welfare checks over the past couple of years.
*Community Response and Investigation*
As the investigation continues, the community is grappling with the tragic loss of Deputy William May, who was responding to a call for help and lost his life during the encounter. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their condolences and support for Deputy May’s family and colleagues. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is working to provide support and resources to those affected by the tragedy.
*Incident Timeline*
– Wednesday afternoon: Timothy Mark Jarvinen becomes involved in a disturbance at the Dollar General store on Highway 90 in DeFuniak Springs.
– Wednesday afternoon: Deputy William May responds to the scene and begins escorting Jarvinen out of the store.
– Wednesday afternoon: Jarvinen reportedly pulls a gun on Deputy May, who fires at Jarvinen in response.
– Wednesday afternoon: Jarvinen is pronounced dead at the scene.
– Ongoing: The investigation into the incident continues, with authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter.
*References* Walton County Sheriff’s Office report and statement from authorities.
