WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced the death of Deputy William May who was involved in a shooting in Mossy Head on Wednesday afternoon.

Deputy May was not supposed to be working, but volunteered for an overtime shift. He was responding to a call at a Dollar General on Lancelot Road, about a block north of Highway 90.

Sheriff Mike Atkinson stated Deputy May had a brief 10 to 15 second discussion, with the suspect. He says the suspect exited the store with Deputy May walking behind him. The suspect then drew a gun and fired a number of times at May. Deputy May was able to draw his gun and return fire. The suspect died on scene.

Deputy May was able to call for assistance. Walton County Fire Rescue, and EMT responded to the scene and transported May to North Okaloosa Medical Center. Atkinson says surgeons and doctors worked on May for 4 hours but May succumbed to the gun shot wounds.

Atkinson confirmed Deputy May was wearing a ballistic vest which stopped several of the rounds. But the Sheriff says one round went underneath the vest, which was the shot that reportedly killed May.

Sheriff Atkinson says he will be working to provide support for Deputy May’s family during this difficult time.