Florida Fire Chief Killed Shop Owner Over Unpaid Debt: Sheriff

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FL — A Florida fire chief is in jail after deputies say he fatally shot a shop owner over unpaid debt last week.

Baker Fire Chief Brian Keith Easterling has been charged with premeditated murder, according to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.

The Baker Fire Board of Commissioners suspended Easterling on Monday from his duties as chief following his arrest. Assistant Chief Mark McKenzie has been appointed acting fire chief, the fire district confirmed in a news release.

Deputies said they responded to the 3900 block of Creighton Road on Thursday after a 63-year-old shop owner was found shot to death inside his business.

According to WEAR-TV, the victim has been identified as Mike Evers.

Surveillance video from the shop showed how the homicide unfolded, according to the sheriff's office. Easterling entered the business and shot Evers over a dispute about prior business deals. He reportedly owed Easterling money.

With the help of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Easterling was ultimately located at his home in Holt, Florida and taken into custody.

Jail records show that Easterling was booked into the Escambia County jail at 1:11 p.m. Monday. He's being held without bond.