Authorities in Bay County say a sheriff’s deputy was forced into a deadly gun battle after responding to reports of an armed man walking along a roadway and behaving erratically.
According to officials, multiple 911 callers reported seeing 45-year-old Justin Chandler Smith walking along Webber Road while carrying a weapon.
Concerned witnesses reportedly alerted emergency dispatchers after observing behavior they believed posed a potential danger to the public.
A Bay County sheriff’s deputy responded to the area and located Smith.
Authorities say the deputy attempted to make contact and issued commands for Smith to put down the weapon.
According to investigators, the encounter escalated when Smith allegedly drew a handgun and fired at the deputy.
Officials report that the deputy immediately returned fire.
The exchange of gunfire ended moments later, with Smith suffering fatal injuries.
Authorities stated that Smith allegedly fired six rounds during the confrontation, while the deputy fired seven rounds in response.
No deputies or members of the public were injured during the incident.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing as detectives review evidence, witness statements, and any available video footage.
The shooting has generated discussion online, with many commenters focusing on the split-second decisions officers face during armed encounters.
Others are awaiting the release of additional information before drawing conclusions about the incident.
As with all officer-involved shootings, investigators are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding the encounter.
September 3, 2025 — Fountain, Florida.
45-year-old Justin Chandler Smith was shot and killed after a shootout with a Bay County sheriff’s deputy. Multiple 911 callers reported Smith walking along Webber Road armed and behaving erratically. When the deputy made contact and… pic.twitter.com/qezPNGnM9j
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Edwin
(@Nuked4Every1) June 6, 2026
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