Coweta County Battalion Chief passes away after being shot while helping at crash scene in Chambers County
New details have been released by Chambers County Sheriff’s Office following a horrific scene that left a Coweta County Battalion Chief dead, and two others injured, including the suspect.
Chambers County deputies were dispatched to a traffic accident involving a deer on County Road 267 near U.S. Highway 431 on January 19th, at 5 P.M, when they came upon the horrific scene.
Three people were found suffering from gunshot wounds, one of which was deceased.
The deceased victim has been identified as 54-year-old James Bartholomew Cauthen, from Moreland, Georgia. Mr. Cauthen was a Battalion Fire Chief with Coweta County Fire.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to Coweta County for his loss,” the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation that has continued into the late Sunday night hours has indicated Chief Cauthen was attempting to assist individuals that had struck a deer while traveling on County Road 267.
“Another individual, identified as William Randall Franklin, that resided in the area opened fire on Chief Cauthen and the individual that struck the deer,” authorities said. “All individuals were injured during the shootout.”
Arrest warrants for Murder have been issued for William Randall Franklin and will be arrested upon release from Piedmont Columbus Regional.
Anyone with information pertaining to this case are asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (334)864-4333.
Related stories
TrafficMulti-vehicle crash on County Road 183 in Salem
TrafficRollover crash reported on U.S. Highway 280 in Lee County early Sunday
TrafficCar crash on Lee County Road 240
TrafficCRASH ALERT: Both lanes of Lee Road 188 closed near Lee Road 78
TrafficTwo injured in early Friday morning crash along Highway 280 in Salem