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The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office today released additional details regarding the August 8th execution of a search and arrest warrant at a Crestview residence that resulted in a confrontation between deputies and 29-year-old Antonio Austin Haner.
The investigation began after a series of incidents involving Haner near Richbourg School.
On August 5th, a Richbourg School teacher reported seeing a man matching Haner’s description armed with a long gun in his yard at 607 Alabama Street, and subsequently hearing a gunshot. She ran back to the school in fear.
Based on an investigation, a Risk Protection Order, residential search warrant and arrest warrant were obtained for Haner on August 7th. Because of the proximity of Haner’s residence to Richbourg School, his reported possession of firearms and the circumstances surrounding the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team was selected to execute the warrants.
Attempts to serve the warrants – for discharging a weapon within 1000 feet of school and discharging a weapon on residential property – at approximately 5:20 a.m. Saturday, August 8th, before teachers and students returned to Richbourg School the following week. Deputies initially attempted to obtain a peaceful surrender by repeatedly calling Haner, activating emergency lights and sirens, and making numerous announcements over a public-address system.
After receiving no response, deputies deployed a diversionary device in the yard. Haner’s spouse subsequently exited the residence unharmed and was moved to a safe location. Haner remained inside despite continued commands and attempts to establish communication.
At approximately 5:32 a.m., Haner fired from the residence toward deputies positioned in an armored vehicle. He later continued firing at deputies and other armored vehicles, including the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office ROOK, using both a shotgun and rifle.
Deputies continued efforts to resolve the situation without further escalation, including repeated telephone calls and announcements over the loudspeaker. Haner eventually exited the residence while continuing to fire at deputies.
At approximately 5:42 a.m., deputies used an armored vehicle to strike and pin Haner against the residence. Haner continued firing even after being pinned. No deputies fired their weapons at Haner.
He was taken into custody at approximately 5:53 a.m., at which time lifesaving measures began. He was transported by EMS for medical treatment but did not survive. No deputies were injured during the incident.
A subsequent search of the residence resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms, live explosives, ammunition, magazines, and ballistic protective equipment. Investigators also recovered evidence related to the gunfire directed toward the armored vehicles.
Sheriff Eric Aden said, “The decision to use our Special Response Team and armored vehicles was based on the totality of the circumstances and the need to protect the public, the nearby neighborhood and nearby Richbourg School. Deputies made multiple attempts to obtain a peaceful surrender before taking action to stop Haner’s continued gunfire.”
Sheriff Aden emphasized the urgency was well served. In a statement to investigators, Haner’s spouse said Haner was very paranoid recently and thought the government was trying to get him to do a school shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an independent investigation.
For a link to video segments from the incident go to: https://youtu.be/858Geql2Vdk
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