Office of the City Marshal, DeFuniak Springs Police

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Office of the City Marshal, DeFuniak Springs Police

The DeFuniak Springs Police are here to serve you with Courtesy-Professionalism-Respect.

09/14/2026

🌟 Sponsor Spotlight 🌟
Today, we’re highlighting not one, but two incredible sponsors Lowe's DeFuniak and Over The Edge Graphics! 🎣
Your continued support helps us make the Youth Fishing Tournament possible, and we are truly grateful for your generosity and commitment to our community.
Thank you, Lowe’s DeFuniak and Over the Edge Graphics, for being a part of this year’s event and helping us make it a special one for our youth! 💙🎣

09/10/2026

🌟Sponsor Spotlight 🌟
Today we’re highlighting Community South Credit Union!
They’ve been with us from the very beginning. Supporting the Youth Fishing Tournament every year. We’re thrilled to have their continued support! 🎣🐟
Thank you, Community South Credit Union, for your commitment to our community’s youth!

09/09/2026

🔎 COLD CASE SPOTLIGHT | LEROY WARREN

In September 1995, 68-year-old Leroy Warren was found murdered inside his Jackson Street home in DeFuniak Springs. Decades later, investigators with the Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida continue to seek information that could help solve his murder.

If you know anything about the murder of Leroy Warren, you can share what you know with Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers while remaining 100% anonymous.

📞 Call: 850-863-TIPS (8477)
📲 Submit: P3 Tips App
💻 Online: EmeraldCoastCrimeStoppers.com

💰 Information that helps lead to an arrest could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000.

You don’t have to give your name. You just have to share what you know.

➡️ Help us keep Leroy’s case in the spotlight by sharing this post. Someone knows something. One tip could make the difference.

09/08/2026

On August 26, 2026, the DeFuniak Springs Police Department assisted the Walton County Sheriff’s Office with a vehicle pursuit involving a gold Toyota Prius. The pursuit entered the City of DeFuniak Springs and ultimately ended near the automotive section of Walmart.
After the vehicle stopped, the passenger, identified as Mark Matthew Thompson, exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby wooded area while carrying a camouflage backpack. Officers pursued Thompson and gave him repeated commands to stop, which he refused. Thompson was apprehended a short time later and taken into custody.
Officers subsequently recovered the camouflage backpack Thompson had been carrying. A search of the backpack revealed a 9mm handgun, multiple magazines, and approximately 90 rounds of 9mm ammunition. A records check confirmed that Thompson is a convicted felon.
During the investigation, the driver provided a statement alleging that Thompson forced them to continue driving during the pursuit and used threats involving a firearm to compel them to continue driving against their will.
Thompson was transported to the Walton County Jail and charged with:
False Imprisonment
Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon
Simple Battery
Resisting an Officer Without Violence

08/31/2026

DeFuniak Springs, Florida — August 31, 2026 — The DeFuniak Springs Police Department announces that, effective today, the department will discontinue its use of the Flock Safety License Plate Recognition (LPR) system.

The decision follows notification from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that LPR cameras located within State rights-of-way will be removed. Additionally, on August 25, 2026, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously, 5-0, to have Flock Safety cameras removed from County rights-of-way.

The Police Department recognizes that LPR technology has been a valuable investigative tool for law enforcement. The system has assisted officers in developing leads, identifying vehicles associated with criminal activity, locating wanted individuals, and assisting in the investigation and reduction of crime.

While the department will no longer have access to this technology at this time, our commitment to protecting the citizens of DeFuniak Springs remains unchanged. Our officers will continue to utilize traditional investigative methods, technology, partnerships with other law-enforcement agencies, and thorough police work to investigate crimes and keep our community safe.

The use of LPR technology has become a topic of national discussion, and the department anticipates that additional legislation and regulations concerning this technology may be considered in the coming months. As laws and regulations develop and circumstances become clearer, the City and Police Department will reevaluate the use of LPR technology and determine whether it is appropriate to pursue such technology in the future.

The DeFuniak Springs Police Department appreciates the continued support of our community and remains committed to providing professional, effective, and accountable law-enforcement services to the citizens we serve.

08/10/2026

We’re SO excited to bring back our Get Hooked on Fishing Youth Fishing Tournament!🎣

Join us on Saturday, September 26th, from 8 AM–12 PM for a fun-filled morning of fishing, laughter, and memories!

🐟 FREE event for kids ages 5–15 (or up to 8th grade)
🎣 No fishing gear? No problem we’ve got you covered!
🍔 Lunch is included
🏆 Fun, prizes, and plenty of great memories!

📅 Registration deadline: September 10th

Don’t miss out on this exciting day! Register using the link below and get ready to Get Hooked! 🎣

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ONTwliwSG06o2XBybyWg781ZvhWOlQBGpfI3XegyyHhUOVJJUU9ISkdSQ0FWMFhWSkhFT0lRUEdERy4u

07/09/2026

Three Arrested Following Burglary in Progress

DeFuniak Springs, Fla. — On July 8, 2026, officers with the DeFuniak Springs Police Department responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a residence within the city.

Upon arrival, officers encountered three individuals at the property. Upon seeing law enforcement, two of the suspects fled on foot. Officers quickly established a perimeter and located both individuals within minutes, taking them into custody.

The investigation determined that the residence had been unlawfully entered after a previously secured exterior door was forced open. Property belonging to the homeowner was recovered from one of the suspects as they exited the residence. Additional physical evidence and statements obtained during the investigation further connected all three suspects to the burglary.

The following individuals were arrested:

Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. – Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling, Petit Theft, and Criminal Mischief.
Wade Douglas Murchison – Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, Petit Theft, and Criminal Mischief.
Jeremy Leon Reed – Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, Petit Theft, and Criminal Mischief.

All three suspects were transported to the Walton County Jail without further incident.

The DeFuniak Springs Police Department reminds the public that all persons arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the DeFuniak Springs Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from the DeFuniak Springs Police Department 🇺🇸

Today, as we celebrate America's 250th Independence Day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit that have defined our nation for two and a half centuries.

The men and women of the DeFuniak Springs Police Department are proud to serve this historic community and remain committed to protecting the freedoms and values that make our country strong.

As you enjoy parades, barbecues, fireworks, and time with family and friends, please celebrate responsibly.

From our police family to yours, we wish everyone a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July.
Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸🎉

06/02/2026

Case Update:

This morning, Hughes was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days, followed by three years of probation.

05/29/2026

Well, it’s official — the last bell of the school year rang today! Students are now on summer break! ☀️📚

But we want to remind everyone of something important: summer programs are taking place, and school buses will still be on the roads picking up and dropping off children.

That’s right — buses will continue transporting students to and from summer activities. While we know our community works hard to follow traffic safety laws, we wanted to take a moment to remind everyone not to let their guard down just because school is out.

Please continue to follow all traffic laws, watch for school buses, and be mindful of children waiting for the bus in the mornings and getting off in the afternoons.

Summer may be here, but making sure our children arrive safely to their summer programs is a responsibility that doesn’t take a vacation. Stay alert, stay safe, and help us protect our kids this summer! 🚌💛

Address

99 S. 18th Street
Defuniak Springs, FL
32435

Telephone

+18508928511

Website

http://www.dfspdfl.gov/

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