For Immediate Release

November 27, 2017

DeFuniak Springs, Fla— A suspect has been arrested following a suspicious shooting on Windflower Drive.

On November 22^nd around 9pm Walton County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a victim who said he had been shot multiple times. The victim, later identified as Bryant Pitts, 47, was shot once through the back of the shoulder and once in the back of the thigh.

Upon further investigation it was discovered he had been shot by 22-year-old Assan Rogers. Rogers told investigators he was sitting in a vehicle in his front yard when he saw a white sedan drive past the house and turn around, parking on the right of way west of his property.  He said a black male positively identified as Pitts got out and walked onto Rogers’ property.  Rogers said he recognized Pitts from around town, but did not personally know him and did not invite him to his residence.

Rogers’ got out of his vehicle closing the door, when Pitts heard the car door he stopped.  Rogers walked onto his front porch and Pitts followed. Rogers reached inside the door of the home and retrieved an .22 rifle and a loaded magazine.  Rogers loaded the magazine while on the porch and asked Pitts what he was doing on his property.

As Pitts turned around and began to walk away Rogers began firing the rifle towards Pitts, but said he believed he was hitting the ground around him.  Rogers followed and moved to the middle of his yard and stated that he again fired the rifle towards the ground.  Approximately 21 rounds were fired in all and three bullet holes were located in items around the property. Pitts left the area in his vehicle and called 911 from Highway 90.

Rogers was arrested on November 23^rd for aggravated battery and has since made bond. Additional charges are pending. This incident is still under investigation.