DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL — Authorities have identified the man responsible for the fatal shooting of Walton County Deputy William May as 58-year-old Timothy Mark Jarvinen, according to an incident report released by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.
The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon, outside the Dollar General store on Highway 90, following a disturbance call involving Jarvinen.
He reportedly rode a bicycle to the store from his residence on Shakespeare Court, which is located nearby.
According to law enforcement officials, Deputy May responded to the scene after reports that Jarvinen was causing a disturbance and refusing to leave the store.
As Deputy May was escorting Jarvinen out of the Dollar General, Jarvinen pulled a firearm and opened fire, prompting Deputy May to return fire.
Both men were struck during the exchange. Jarvinen was pronounced dead at the scene, while Deputy May succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
During a press conference held Wednesday night, Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson Jr. spoke on Jarvinen’s background, noting that the suspect had no prior criminal history or indications of violent behavior.
Jarvinen was reportedly a concealed weapons permit holder, and a subsequent search of his residence revealed additional firearms, though none had been used in any previous crimes.
“He had other weapons in his residence when we searched it,” Sheriff Adkinson stated. “But nothing to indicate violence. In fact, he had not been arrested by this organization.”
Court records confirm that Jarvinen had no previous arrests in Walton County or the broader Northwest Florida region. His only prior involvement with the court system included two civil cases in 2017 and 2018, both related to financial matters.
Sheriff Adkinson further explained that Jarvinen had been a resident of the area for several years and that local law enforcement had interacted with him on a few occasions, primarily for minor concerns such as welfare checks.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident.
Further updates, including funeral arrangements for Deputy May and a comprehensive report of the event, are expected in the coming days.