Daniel Lewis Hayes Fatally Shot by Deputies Inside Escambia County Arby’s: Sheriff Defends Use of Deadly Force Amid Public Outcry
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — A tense and tragic situation unfolded Thursday evening at an Arby’s restaurant along Highway 98, where an encounter between Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies and an armed suspect ended in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Daniel Lewis Hayes. The incident has left the community reeling, while raising renewed questions about law enforcement’s use of deadly force in public spaces.
According to Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, the shooting was a “necessary but deeply unfortunate” outcome that stemmed from what he described as a rapidly escalating and potentially deadly confrontation. The incident, which drew a massive law enforcement presence and forced the restaurant to close indefinitely, is now under state investigation, while locals and national observers grapple with the latest instance of a fatal police shooting on Florida soil.
The Incident: A Deadly Encounter in a Fast-Food Restaurant
Authorities confirmed that the deadly encounter began shortly before 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Sheriff Simmons told reporters that deputies were conducting surveillance in the area after receiving intelligence that Hayes, who was wanted on multiple felony warrants, had been seen nearby. Hayes, known to law enforcement due to his violent criminal background, had reportedly evaded arrest in recent weeks, prompting increased efforts by deputies to apprehend him.
According to Simmons, deputies entered the Arby’s restaurant with the intention of arresting Hayes without incident. However, what began as a routine felony warrant arrest swiftly turned volatile. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene unfolding inside the establishment, with customers ducking for cover and employees running for safety.
Sheriff Simmons stated that Hayes was armed and refused multiple commands to surrender peacefully. “The suspect brandished a firearm and created an imminent threat to our deputies and everyone inside that restaurant,” Simmons said during Friday’s press conference. “At that point, our deputies made the difficult but necessary decision to use lethal force.”
The confrontation reportedly lasted less than two minutes, but those moments were enough to leave lasting trauma for everyone present. Witnesses say they heard multiple gunshots, followed by shouting and then the swift arrival of emergency responders. Hayes was pronounced dead at the scene.
Victim’s History: A Troubled Path
Authorities have since confirmed that Hayes had a lengthy and violent criminal history. He was reportedly wanted on several active felony warrants, including charges related to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, drug trafficking, and resisting arrest. Sheriff Simmons said that Hayes had previously served prison time and was considered “armed and dangerous” by law enforcement agencies throughout the region.
While Simmons emphasized that Hayes’ criminal record played a role in the level of caution exercised by deputies, civil rights advocates caution against allowing a person’s past to entirely dictate how law enforcement responds in high-pressure situations. “We are not condoning violence or crime,” said one community activist. “But the sanctity of life has to be the cornerstone of policing, even when dealing with dangerous suspects.”
Public Reactions: A Divided Community
Reactions to the fatal shooting have been mixed across Escambia County. Some residents have expressed support for the deputies’ actions, citing the dangers of confronting an armed fugitive in a crowded public space. Others, however, are calling for more transparency and an independent investigation to determine whether every possible step was taken to de-escalate the situation before shots were fired.
“I understand the deputies were in a dangerous position,” said one local resident who asked to remain anonymous. “But this was a public place. My family eats at that Arby’s. This could’ve turned into something even worse.”
A mother who had just picked up food minutes before the shooting occurred said, “I saw the patrol cars as I left, but I had no idea what was about to happen. It’s horrifying. I keep thinking: What if I’d stayed a few more minutes? What if my kids had seen that?”
The Arby’s franchise where the shooting occurred has since closed temporarily, with management issuing a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident and gratitude that none of their staff or patrons were physically harmed. “We are cooperating fully with authorities and offering counseling resources to employees affected by the traumatic events,” the statement read.
Law Enforcement’s Defense: A “Last Resort”
Sheriff Simmons was unambiguous in defending his deputies, stating they acted in accordance with both department policy and state law. “When you have an armed suspect who refuses to drop their weapon, refuses to surrender, and creates a situation where others are at risk, our deputies have a responsibility to act,” Simmons said. “No one wanted this outcome. But no deputy goes to work hoping to take a life. This was the last resort.”
He also emphasized that body camera footage and security footage from the restaurant will be reviewed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which has taken over the investigation. The sheriff’s department has pledged full transparency, stating that all available footage will be released once the investigation is complete.
Calls for Independent Oversight
Despite reassurances from Sheriff Simmons, some community leaders and civil rights groups are pushing for independent oversight and greater accountability. The local chapter of the NAACP issued a statement calling for a civilian review board to be involved in reviewing the use-of-force incidents moving forward.
“This tragedy reminds us of the importance of impartial oversight when it comes to lethal encounters between police and citizens,” the statement said. “We need to know not just that the law was followed, but that every effort was made to preserve life.”
In recent years, Escambia County has experienced several high-profile officer-involved shootings, prompting calls for increased transparency, body-worn camera usage, and advanced de-escalation training for officers. While some reforms have been implemented, critics argue that more systemic changes are needed to prevent tragedies like Thursday’s from becoming a recurring reality.
Trauma and Aftermath for the Community
Beyond the public debate, the emotional toll on bystanders and Arby’s staff is profound. Several employees who were working at the time of the shooting are now reportedly receiving trauma counseling. One employee, speaking anonymously, said they still hear the gunshots in their head every time they try to sleep. “It all happened so fast,” they said. “We were just working. Then it turned into a nightmare.”
Families who were present during the shooting have also expressed concern about their children’s emotional well-being. A local therapist said her office has received multiple calls from parents seeking trauma support. “Witnessing violence, especially when it involves law enforcement, can lead to lasting psychological effects, especially for children,” she said.
The restaurant’s closure has also left dozens of workers in limbo, uncertain about their jobs and fearful of returning to a workplace now linked to violence and death. Community leaders have begun organizing support groups and outreach events aimed at helping those affected begin the healing process.
A Broader Discussion on Policing and Public Safety
This latest incident has sparked broader discussions throughout Escambia County and beyond about the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Supporters of the sheriff’s office argue that officers put their lives on the line daily and must make split-second decisions in high-stakes scenarios. Detractors argue that more must be done to prevent public spaces from becoming the backdrop of deadly encounters.
National experts on criminal justice reform have weighed in, with some saying that while the situation may have justified force, the location—a fast-food restaurant full of civilians—should have prompted even greater caution and creative thinking around de-escalation or alternative arrest strategies.
As investigations continue, the spotlight remains fixed on the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, not just for what happened, but for what will come next. Will there be policy changes? Will new training initiatives be introduced? And perhaps most urgently: how can such tragic outcomes be prevented in the future?
A Life Lost and a Community Forever Changed
For those who knew Daniel Lewis Hayes personally, his death represents a complicated mixture of grief, anger, and introspection. While his criminal history cannot be ignored, some family members have said he was working to change, that he was struggling with demons, but still deserved a chance to face justice in court, not in the aisles of a fast-food restaurant.
“He wasn’t perfect,” one relative said. “But he was human. And I just wish there had been another way.”
As Escambia County reckons with this tragedy, one thing is clear: this community has been forever altered by a few terrifying moments on an ordinary Thursday evening. Whether seen as justified or tragic, the shooting inside that Arby’s has reopened old wounds and forced hard conversations about safety, justice, and the fine line between protection and tragedy.
And while investigations may eventually close and news coverage may fade, the memory of what happened on that day—and the questions it raises—will linger long into the future.
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