OCSO SEARCHING FOR WITNESSES IN BRIC A BRAC SHOOTING

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Mar 11 2019 3:59 PM

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office investigators are asking any witnesses to Sunday morning’s shooting at Bric A Brac on Highway 98 in Destin to share information. Two people were shot at the establishment approximately 4:15 a.m. after a fight erupted outside around closing time. 29-year old Trevor Thomas of Crestview was treated at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center for gunshot wounds to the left leg and abdomen. 24-year old Raheem Phillips of Defuniak Springs also suffered a gunshot wound.

An OCSO Supervisor who arrived at the in-progress shooting heard gunfire and spotted suspect Christian Pickett in a parking lot with a gun in his hand. Pickett refused his commands to drop the gun and turned towards him. At that point the deputy engaged him, firing rounds. A security guard behind the deputy said he was in fear of Pickett’s movement and also fired in Pickett’s direction. Pickett fled across Highway 98 and was apprehended following a foot chase.

A gun that turned out to have been reported stolen to the Crestview Police Department was later found in the grass along the path he had traveled. Pickett was taken into custody initially on charges of being a fugitive from Covington County Alabama on a violation of probation charge for possession of a firearm with an altered i.d.

Pickett currently also faces additional charges of improper exhibition of a firearm and resisting an officer without violence as the investigation continues. Per standard protocol, the deputy who fired his weapon has been placed on administrative leave with pay while the investigation is underway. Meanwhile the OCSO is asking any witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information can call the OCSO at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 850-863-TIPS, or by using the P3 Tips Mobile application.

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