BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The best friend, roommate and coworker of deputy Austin Walsh has been arrested and charged with his shooting death early Saturday, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said.

In a video posted to the department's Facebook page, Ivey said deputy Andrew Lawson was arrested Sunday by agents with the Florida Law Enforcement Department and charged with manslaughter in connection with Walsh's death.

Ivey said investigators determined the shooting allegedly happened when Lawson, who was holding a weapon he believed to be unloaded, "jokingly pointed the gun in Austin's direction and pulled the trigger." 

Lawson's arrest affidavit gave additional details about the deadly incident, saying that the deputy allegedly told FDLE investigators that after pointing the gun at Walsh, he pulled the trigger, pulled back the gun's slide and then pulled the trigger again.

It was then that the gun went off, causing Walsh to be hit with a single bullet just below his right eye, the affidavit said.

FDLE agents reported that the gun allegedly used in the killing was found loaded with a round in the chamber, and a spent bullet casing was located near Walsh's body.

The two had been taking a break from playing an online game with friends at the time, Ivey said.

"Folks, this is one of the toughest days of my career, as this afternoon I have to stand here and talk about the loss of one of my deputies, who I love so much, as the result of the reckless actions of another one of our deputies, who I also love, and who has been a good kid his entire life," he said in the video.

Ivey said Lawson called 911 but that Walsh was already dead from a single gunshot wound by the time emergency personnel arrived at the Palm Bay residence they shared.

"Austin and Andrew were the best of friends, and Andrew is completely devastated over what happened," Ivey said. "Even with that, there is no excuse for this tragic and totally avoidable death."

The Florida State Attorney's Office released the following statement concerning Walsh's death:

Today (Dec 5) we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Deputy Austin Walsh, the men and women of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and everyone who has been touched by this heartfelt tragedy.

In the weeks and months ahead, senior prosecutors will receive and carefully review the final investigative reports from the Palm Bay Police, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Brevard County Medical Examiner. While we understand concerns surrounding the incident and its possible disposition, those records cannot be made available by our office before a formal charging decision is made and criminal procedure requirements are met.

As the investigation continues and moves through the criminal justice process, our office will maintain its longstanding policy of not offering public comment on cases pending before the Court.

Reporter Brandon Jones contributed to this story.