DDN – Authorities in rural Alabama say they will charge a man with murder for allegedly shooting and killing a Georgia fire chief who approached his home Sunday night while attempting to rescue a stranded car on the road.
According to CBS News affiliate WRBL, the driver hit a deer but was unable to contact for aid due to poor cell phone connection.
James Bartholomew Cauthen, a 54-year-old fire chief with Coweta County Fire in Georgia, was working outside on a nearby property that he likely owned or maintained when he observed the stranded driver and his wife, according to the station. Cauthen and the driver decided to approach another property in the vicinity to seek extra assistance, according to WRBL.
According to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, William Randall Franklin allegedly walked outside the residence as Cauthen and the driver approached and opened fire on both men. Chambers County includes the distant Alabama region where the traffic accident and shooting occurred.
According to the sheriff’s office, all three sustained gunshot wounds during the shootout. According to WRBL, Franklin was wounded when the driver, who appeared to be armed, returned fire.
The sheriff stated that when deputies got to the scene, Cauthen had already died from his injuries. The driver and Franklin were taken to medical facilities for treatment, and WRBL stated that both are expected to recover.
The sheriff said Monday that Franklin, who was hospitalized, had been given murder warrants and would be arrested whenever he was freed.
Coweta County Fire Rescue said they were “devastated by the tragic passing” of Cauthen, who had been with the agency for over 24 years.
“He was an amazing, hard-working man with a gentle soul,” the fire department stated. “Like many of you, we have many questions as we deal with this terrible loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cauthen’s family, friends, and the brothers and sisters in the Fire Rescue family who served with him.”
Reference: Georgia fire chief shot dead while helping driver who hit deer in Alabama
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