Shalimar man, 65, accused of attacking another man at Meigs Park

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Tue Sep 29, 2026 · SHALIMAR · Okaloosa County

A Shalimar man faces a felony charge after deputies say he punched another man in the face during an argument at a Meigs Park picnic table.

William Bryan Dorsey, 65, of Shalimar, was arrested the night of Sept. 13 after Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Meigs Park, at 45 Meigs Drive, around 9:30 p.m.

The victim, Douglas William Harville, told deputies he was seated at a picnic table arguing with Dorsey when Dorsey punched him in the face, hit him two more times, then ran off when another man broke up the fight. A deputy observed fresh blood near Harville’s left nostril and upper lip, according to the arrest affidavit.

A security guard, Randy Allen Finkbeiner, told deputies he watched Dorsey punch Harville several times and broke up the fight. Deputies found Dorsey hiding behind a tree on the property next to the park. After being read his rights, Dorsey denied hitting anyone.

Dorsey is charged with battery on a person 65 years of age or older, a third-degree felony under Florida Statute 784.08(2)(c). He was released on his own recognizance at first appearance on Sept. 15, and a public defender was appointed. Arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 15.

Timeline: Sept. 13, about 9:33 p.m. – the altercation at Meigs Park; Dorsey arrested minutes later. Sept. 15 – first appearance; Dorsey released on his own recognizance. Sept. 28 – the defense files a demand for notice of alibi and a discovery exhibit. Oct. 15 – arraignment scheduled.

A charge is an accusation, not a conviction. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Source: Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit, report 26-173543, and Okaloosa County Clerk of Court records, case 2026-CF-001847-F.

Records/press report, mapped by Emerald Coast Bookings. Charges are accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.