NEWS RELEASE                                             

For Immediate Release
September 4, 2008
Contact: Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
  (850) 651-7420

SHOOTING SUSPECT ARRESTED IN OKALOOSA COUNTY


Anthony Brown

     A violent fugitive wanted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office in connection with a shooting and robbery last month is now in custody. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday night arrested 32-year old Anthony Woods Brown during the execution of a search warrant at 97 Josie Road in west Okaloosa County.

     Inside the apartment, deputies found baggies of suspected cocaine and various drug paraphernalia.

    Brown is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and armed robbery in connection with the August 25th shooting and robbery of Antonio Jackson on Vincent Avenue in Fort Walton Beach. Brown also faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

    Meantime, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has launched an internal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the execution of the search warrant, which took place shortly before midnight Wednesday evening.  In their attempt to take Brown into custody, members of the Special Response Team made entry into the wrong apartment at one of two nearly identical buildings on Josie Road.  The team quickly retreated and entered the appropriate apartment, leading to Brown’s arrest as well as the seizure of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

      No injuries occurred at either location. A husband and wife were inside the first apartment.

      Chief Deputy Mike Coup says the department is conducting an internal investigation to determine the facts surrounding the incident.

      Meantime, 23-year old Stephanie Stoudmire of 23 Ranger Road in Fort Walton Beach was also inside the Josie Road Apartment with Brown and faces similar drug charges.

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