Fort Walton Beach police release: officer impersonation investigation — October 12, 2026 — reading text

FORT WALTON BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: October 12, 2026 Case Number: 2026-00025611 Impersonating a Police Officer Fort Walton Beach, Fla. — On October 12, 2026, a Fort Walton Beach Police Department officer observed a man wearing what appeared to be a generic law enforcement uniform and carrying a firearm while working security at The Home Depot. The officer’s observations prompted a follow- up investigation by detectives assigned to the department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Detectives identified the man as Nicholas O’Bryant, 39, of Lucedale Mississippi. The investigation revealed that O’Bryant was not a sworn law enforcement officer in the State of Mississippi, despite possessing credentials identifying him as one. O’Bryant was arrested and charged with falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer. He was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail. The Fort Walton Beach Police Department takes the unauthorized use of law enforcement authority seriously, especially when the individual is armed and presenting himself to the public as a sworn officer. Anyone who is unsure whether a person is a legitimate law enforcement officer may call the Fort Walton Beach Police Department at (850) 833-9546, or their local law enforcement agency, to verify. Businesses that contract for security services are encouraged to confirm that guards hold the required Florida security licenses. Robert Bage, Chief of Police 7 Hollywood Blvd, NE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850.833.9546 FORT WALTON BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: October 12, 2026 Case Number: 2026-00025611 Impersonating a Police Officer Fort Walton Beach, Fla. — On October 12, 2026, a Fort Walton Beach Police Department officer observed a man wearing what appeared to be a generic law enforcement uniform and carrying a firearm while working security at The Home Depot. The officer’s observations prompted a follow- up investigation by detectives assigned to the department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Detectives identified the man as Nicholas O’Bryant, 39, of Lucedale Mississippi. The investigation revealed that O’Bryant was not a sworn law enforcement officer in the State of Mississippi, despite possessing credentials identifying him as one. O’Bryant was arrested and charged with falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer. He was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail. The Fort Walton Beach Police Department takes the unauthorized use of law enforcement authority seriously, especially when the individual is armed and presenting himself to the public as a sworn officer. Anyone who is unsure whether a person is a legitimate law enforcement officer may call the Fort Walton Beach Police Department at (850) 833-9546, or their local law enforcement agency, to verify. Businesses that contract for security services are encouraged to confirm that guards hold the required Florida security licenses. Robert Bage, Chief of Police 7 Hollywood Blvd, NE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 850.833.9546