A Florida community is mourning the loss of a sheriff’s deputy after he was shot and killed by a domestic violence suspect on Christmas Eve.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced that Corporal Ray Hamilton, a five-year veteran of the department, was fatally wounded when Timothy Price-Williams, 43, opened fire on him from inside his residence. Williams was shot in the arm during the exchange of fire, but is expected to be okay.
Hamilton, who served on the Special Response Team, died shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday at Fort Walton Beach Hospital – Destin.
The department said officers went to the townhouse at 710 North Park Boulevard to file a warrant against Price-Williams on one count of domestic violence assault.
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The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Corporal Ray Hamilton, who was shot and killed on Christmas Eve.
(Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office)
The victim reported that Price-Williams slapped and pushed her during an argument Friday. She also said that he took her phone, so she was unable to call 911 for help.
When deputies arrived at the home around 9 a.m. Saturday, they contacted Price-Williams. He reportedly refused to leave the residence, prompting the Special Response Team to go to the scene.
For hours, he continued to be held hostage inside the house. At around 12:40 p.m., she fired a shot through a window, striking Hamilton and ultimately killing him.
Price-Williams is charged with first degree premeditated murder. She received medical attention for her minor injury and was later transported to jail.
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Police squad cars line up in front of a Florida home where an officer was shot to death on Christmas Eve.
(Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office)
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said the grief over the loss of Hamilton is devastating, calling him a “ray of sunshine” who was “dedicated to protecting others.” .
“We appreciate the endless stream of words of support that have come to his family and co-workers as we face this heartbreaking loss of a deeply loved and respected friend, public servant and hero,” Aden said.
Hamilton’s death makes him the 61st officer to be shot in 2022.
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Funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
