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Crestview Murder Suspect Killed In Shootout With Escambia County Deputies (With Bodycam Video)
July 12, 2021
An Okaloosa County murder suspect was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire with Escambia County deputies early Monday morning
Johnny Ray Kirk, 22, was wanted for the July 10 shooting death of an 80-year old man at a park in Crestview. He was also accused of kidnapping two 16-year old girls in DeFuniak Springs earlier that day.
Kirk was located about 2:45 a.m. Monday by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies. He was a passenger in a white Ford Escape they stopped at Inez Road and Carrick Avenue, off Fairfield Drive.
He “jumped out of the passenger seat and immediately fired multiple rounds at the two deputies. The deputies returned fire striking him twice,” according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office statement.
Kirk was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. No deputies were injured during the incident.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement responded to investigate the shooting, as is standard procedure. Both deputies that fired have been placed on administrative leave. ECSO said the incident was captured on body cameras and in-car video.
Bodycam video is below. It may be disturbing to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.
On Sunday, the 80-year old murder victim’s pickup truck was found in off Linda Lane near Defuniak Spring in Walton County (pictured bottom).
Comments
36 Responses to “Crestview Murder Suspect Killed In Shootout With Escambia County Deputies (With Bodycam Video)”
Well done ECSO! Thank you for your service! ‘Eliminate the threat, sir! Done, sir.’
He went out on his feet shooting.
Good job ECSO.
Floridian. I do see what you are saying. And I have to say I agree. That it is sad that a life had to be erased. I wish it could have gone down a different way. If I understand you, your not putting down the act. Not buffeting the officer. Only the rejoicing of a life ending. No matter who or how. And for anyone who wants to argue this point. Remember Paul the apostle. He over saw the execution of Christians. And called himself the chief of sinners. Yet his life was valuable. I do not celebrate this man because of his deeds. Was his death necessary? Probably. But let’s things in perspective. All life matter. So his death is regretful too. This is a soul that won’t have a chance to repent. Yes yes I know it was by his own design. But regrettable nun the less. And remember God the Father said. Vengeance is mine. “ie” not ours.
@Floridian…I do t see anyone on here clapping because this young man was killed. He was taken out of the equation due to his murderous rampage and criminal behavior. He, Kirk, caused his own death and the way he was removed from this life. Had he of gotten out of the vehicle…unarmed and with his hands raised in surrender…he would be here today to stand trial for his actions in the days that led up to this. Although I’m glad OUR DEPUTIES weren’t injured, I’m equally as glad that this public threat is off the streets. What would have done/felt if this fella had injured/killed in all of this. I pray for this mans soul and I pray for all the families involved.
@Matt…no one on here, nor the 80 year old victims family friend blame the mother for what her son did. This young man could have turned his life around at any point but he chose to kill this gentleman AFTER he tried to force two underage young ladies to undress them made them drive him to an area close where he then killed this gentleman. Since you have read these comments inform his mother not to read this story. Just know she is in my prayers because she’s a victim in this as well
@floridian, what an asinine comparison. Innocent babies who never asked to be produced compared to a cold blooded murderer. He got what he deserved! HE put himself in that situation. As for you, bless your heart.
Sounds like @Floridian has qualms with Christians. Maybe some not so good things happened? Sorry if someone hurt you.
I will never be excited to see any life be harmed to clarify. I don’t think the majority of us here are excited that a person died. I can only speak for myself, but I am glad the threat was neutralized. See the difference? Have the day of your choice. Toodles.
The most dangerous criminals are the dumb desperate ones it seems. This guy quit being human and became a rabid monster when he executed that poor senior for his truck at the Oka Co park. I had the misfortune to inadvertently be one of the first persons to arrive at that crime scene afterwards.
I wont post details of the scene, (I had to sit by, on scene, until LE cleared me), out of respect for the victim and his family, but it was a true depiction of inhumanity toward another human. I’m glad this monster was stopped and that the Officers in that arrest scene were not hurt or killed. Also, those girls he kidnapped, I’m glad they were unharmed. I’m sure at one time this young man was a human being, but he quit being that when he murdered that person in cold blood… for an old truck. I will never be able to erase the images of the victim of this random stupid act of inhumanity from my mind; it will remind me to always stay L and L.
@ MATT IF THE BOY’S MOTHER , YOUR SISTER DOESN’T WANT TO READ THE COMMENT’S THEN DON’T READ THE ARTICLE’S ( PROBLEM SOLVED )
@Jill, I suggest you try rereading both of my posts. Pro life and pro death has absolutely everything to do with people openly excited and genuinely happy to watch someone get killed. I never defended him, never said it should have gone another way, never said the officers should have done differently (also never mentioned what I would have done). Just offered my observations and pointed out how strange it was. But heck, I guess I’m an outlier because I don’t get joy out of watching people get killed. Maybe some of yall can “pray for me” so I see the error of my ways and then save me a seat when there’s a public execution.
Omg @floridian you are cracking me up!
This guy open fired on the people who protect innocent citizens in our community. Pro life and pro death has nothing to do with this. We’re not making babies. It would be a different type of article.
We can’t just look at all things one way. He was threat that was neutralized for the sake of the safety of others.
I’d love to see what you do if someone start shooting at you! I conceal carry. If I were out and about with my family and he did that to us, you better believe I’m going to protect my child who is here because her mama is pro life. Just saying.
Floridian,
You just stated the same thing with a lame example of pro life. A man murders someone and dies in a shoot out with deputies, and remember the criminal shot first, but on the other hand, a woman is murdering an innocent baby, just like the older man in the park. The baby is innocent so why should it dye. There are many women’s right in having a baby. They have the right to choose any contraceptive of which there are many kinds on the market. This should be a woman’s choice, not the choice of killing a baby.
Folks, do some of you still want to defund the police? Imagine had this bad guy never been caught.
@NavyDave
The “truest” sense of pro-life would be just that: pro LIFE, as in anti-DEATH. What you described is just living a decent life, which is great. Personally, I don’t claim to be pro-life, but that’s neither here no there. I just think it’s funny the crowd that likes to sit on their Christian high horse starts cheering and clapping and frothing at the mouth and get genuine pleasure when they see a criminal get gunned down. Not saying I disagree with what the officers did (I don’t disagree one bit, but I’m also not genuinely happy about it), but let’s call a spade a spade here. They are not pro-LIFE, they are pro-DEATH penalty, pro-KILL all the bad guys, pro-public EXECUTION, etc. They can be anti-abortion or whatever all day long, but they are certainly not pro-life in what you said is the “truest sense of the word”.
@Floridian-
Actually the great majority of people on here are pro-life, in the truest sense of the term. Most want to live a good life, enjoy our families and do good for others without getting kidnapped or killed by a predatory animal. This guy was clearly not pro-life-he was an animal that needed putting down. Thanks to LEO for all you do.
To all of you that walk on water his mother my sister didnt do anything but shes the one got to read your words i pray
None of you ever has children get strung out on dope and cant get the help they need and get to go thru what shes going thru.she knew he needed to goto prison the rest of his life for this she prays for the victims family shes still gonna grieve.
Lots of pro-death people on here. Weird to see how overjoyed they are to see another human get killed. I bet a lot are self-titled “Christians” too.
I vote the deputies get VIP seats at the Blue Ang show next year and 2 weeks paid vaca to hawaii ON US.
Great job officers
Good shooting deputies, now we all can sleep just a little better tonight! And the bad guy has awakened to eternity!
Great work, LEO!! Thank you
@Lee Williams, magazine not clip.
The LEOs did not “shoot to wound” or as our illustrious president said to shoot “in the leg instead of the heart…” They shot to neutralize the threat. They are to be applauded.
He unloaded that clip very quickly; great training!!!!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words… Well I’ll have to say these body worn videos are golden… Thank you again Chip Simmons for the move to current times and transparency… Well done LEO… Lowlife murderer off the streets…
Great job guys, nothing wrong with shooting as long as the right person gets shot. He was the right person. I’m thankful none of our guys were hurt. Saved the tax payers a lot of money. Keep up the great work
Prayers to this mans family and all the families that he hurt.
Deputies should be given a $5K hazardous pay INCIDENCE…
Great job by ECSO and thankfully, they are ok. On the other hand, look at all of the money saved by getting rid of this scum. No trial, no prison, no nothing. Win win for all.
Glad our Deputies are safe and a piece of garbage has been permanently cleaned off the streets!!!
Play stupid games get stupid prizes
Stupid is as stupid does. One for the poor 80 year old. Bless that man’s heart. Once again, good job ECSO!
Good Riddance. I’m wondering if the driver was aware of their passenger being wanted.
Great job!! Thank god the deputies were not injured.
Great job ECSO !
Early morning practice.
Draw down on an LEO. Get what you have coming.
Justice served.