The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 11 the arrest of two individuals suspected of involvement in suspicious activity, drug possession, and retail theft near a Walmart on Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies apprehended Christopher James Debose, age 32, and Kaitlin Bunton, age 23, both from Evansville, Indiana. The arrests followed an incident where an OCSO sergeant observed a woman driving a U-Haul van that was linked to an earlier retail theft investigation.
Deputies said that when they approached the vehicle, Debose ran from the passenger seat and shoved a deputy before being quickly detained. During their investigation at the scene, deputies recovered suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and merchandise believed to be stolen. The sheriff’s office said Bunton admitted to multiple retail thefts at local businesses.
Debose faces charges including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting without violence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bunton is charged with possession of a controlled substance, resisting without violence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies added that both individuals have numerous active and pending warrants across Northwest Florida.
The sheriff’s office reported that clothing worn by Debose still had tags attached; however, Debose claimed he purchased them online six months ago. The investigation remains ongoing.
