Fund set up for fallen Okaloosa deputies

Wednesday, 29 April 2009 10:01 Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 June 2009 11:01 Written by Staff Reports

Okaloosa County Sheriff Ed Spooner on Saturday said two Okaloosa deputies slain over the weekend while attempting to arrest a domestic violence suspect were fine men and excellent deputies who enjoyed serving the public.

Forty-five-year-old Deputy Burt Lopez and 45-year old Deputy Warren “Skip” York were shot at the Shoal River Clay Sporting Gun Range east of Crestview shortly before 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25.They were trying to take 28-year old Joshua William Cartwright into custody on a domestic violence charge when Cartwright opened fire. He fled the scene eastbound on U.S. Highway 90 in his pickup truck. The Florida Highway Patrol and DeFuniak Springs Police Department helped with efforts to stop Cartwright. Walton County Sheriff’s deputies placed spikes along the roadway near the intersection of U.S. Highway 331. Cartwright left the pavement to avoid the spikes then lost control of his truck as he tried to get back onto the road. After his truck flipped, Cartwright shot at Walton deputies while trying to exit the vehicle. He was killed in an exchange of gunfire.

Before joining the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, York and Lopez served with the U.S. Air Force. Lopez joined the OCSO in October 2003. York joined the agency in February 2007.

Donation Information

Accounts have been set up for both the Lopez and York families through the Okaloosa County Law Enforcement Benevolent Association at Beach Community Bank. Donations can be made at any branch of Beach Community Bank into any of the following accounts:

1. Fund strictly for Deputy Lopez’ family.
2. Fund strictly for Deputy York’s family.
3. A combined fund to be equally distributed to Deputy Lopez’ family and Deputy York’s family.
4. General donations may be made to the Okaloosa Law Enforcement Benevolent Association.

For more information please visit Beach Community Bank’s Web site at http://www.beachcommunitybank.com