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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 Cpl. Ray Hamilton, a five-year veteran of the department, was fatally injured when 43-year-old Timothy Price-Williams allegedly opened fire on the deputy from inside his residence.
Hamilton, who served on the Special Response Team, died shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday at the Fort Walton Beach - Destin Hospital.
The department said deputies responded to the townhome at 710 North Park Blvd. to present a warrant against Price-Williams for a domestic violence battery charge.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of Cpl. Ray Hamilton, who was shot and killed on Christmas Eve. (Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office)
The victim reported that Price-Williams slapped her in the face and shoved her during an argument on Friday. She also said he took her phone away, so she couldn't call 911 for help.
When deputies arrived at the home around 9 a.m. Saturday they made contact with Price-Williams. He reportedly refused to leave the residence, prompting the Special Response Team to come to the scene to try and negotiate a peaceful surrender.
Police cruisers line up outside a Florida home where a deputy was shot and killed on Christmas Eve. (Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office)
The sheriff's office said several deputies, including Hamilton, entered an area behind the backyard fence of the premises to help establish a safe perimeter.
Once they were set up around 12:40 p.m., Price-Williams fired shots out of a window, which struck Hamilton and ultimately led to his death. The sheriff's office noted Price-Williams was shot in the arm when law enforcement returned fire.
Price-Williams is charged with first-degree premeditated murder. He received medical attention for his small injury and was transported to the jail after.
Timothy Price-Williams is accused of killing Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputy Corporal Ray Hamilton during a domestic violence call on Christmas Eve. (Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office)
In a statement posted to its Facebook page, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden said the grief from losing 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 in for his family and his co-workers as we face this heartbreaking loss of a profoundly loved and respected friend, public servant, and hero," Aden said.
Hamilton's death makes him the 61st officer killed by gunfire in 2022.
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Funeral arrangements have not yet been posted.
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