Okaloosa deputy shot near Milton

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - Camille Gardens Circle is not where you'd expect a frenzy of flashing lights and caution tape, but that's exactly what residents got Friday evening.

Steve Hough, an Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Investigator was working with a U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, trying to put a suspect behind bars.

Before Hough even made it to the door, the suspect stepped out and started firing.

"I saw the deputy shooting and then go down," said Paul Pugh, who lives down the street. "He didn't go down in like an evasive move. He just dropped, so we were pretty scared."

When the shooting started, Pugh watched from behind his truck, using it for cover. When a bullet rattled off his house, he knew it was time to hit the deck.

"[I said,] 'We're too close. There's too many bullets flying way too close. Let's get down.' I didn't want to see no more," Pugh said.

Fortunately, Pugh and his wife were unharmed.

Hough was struck once in the face and twice in the leg. He was rushed to a Pensacola hospital and was last reported in stable condition.

The suspect, David Christopher Lewis, was wanted on multiple charges and considered by law enforcement to be armed and dangerous. He had made previous threats to authorities.

Lewis was also injured in the shooting and was in surgery as of 6:30 p.m. Friday evening.

"My neighbor said that they were actually looking for [Lewis] in the house over here behind us, and I don't know whether [Lewis] took refuge in that house because no one was home or what the circumstances are," Pugh said.

Whatever the case, the incident not only displaced residents, but has them questioning the very place they live.

"This is a quiet neighborhood," said Devonna Byrd, another resident in the community. "Nothing like this has ever gone on in it."

The Okaloosa Law Enforcement Benevolent Association (OLEBA) was established in 2008, to assist local Law Enforcement Officers and their families, in the unfortunate event that they have become seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

Recently, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Hough was seriously injured in the line of duty, by a violent criminal. Hough was shot three times by the suspect, once in the face, and twice in the leg, as he was attempting to arrest the suspect on outstanding warrants.

Deputy Hough will require multiple surgeries, which will include reconstructive surgery. His recovery at a Pensacola hospital is expected to take several months. OLEBA has assisted Deputy Hough’s family with covering the cost of lodging and food, so they can be near the hospital as he recovers.

Anyone that is interested in assisting Deputy Hough can make a financial contribution or donation to OLEBA at any Beach Community Bank. All donations will assist local Law Enforcement Officers and their families in a time of need.