Two men have been arrested and charged with murder after a Georgia sheriff’s deputy died in the hospital Monday, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
The deputy was shot Saturday afternoon in his car during a pursuit, according to a statement from the GBI.
The two men, who were identified as Troy Arthur Phillips and Brad Phillips, were driving a white 2500 Chevrolet pickup truck when a Seminole County deputy attempted to pull them over for reckless driving. The two men refused to stop and then lead the deputy and another who joined on a pursuit. One of the men fired a weapon from the truck prompting the deputies to return fire, according to the statement from the GBI.
The two suspects kept the chase going into Decatur county where they went into a residence by shooting through a door, only to leave when the owner fired back at the suspects. A Decatur County Sheriff’s deputy was arriving on the scene when one of the suspects shot at his vehicle, striking and injuring the deputy, according to the GBI statement. (RELATED: Man Arrested After Racking Up 31 Felonies In Armed Robbery Crime Spree)
Our prayers go to the family, both blood & blue, of Lt. Justin Bedwell of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office who died this morning after being shot in the line of duty. He paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we thank him for his service. ⚫️????⚫️ pic.twitter.com/RfOfN7mQd6
— GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) March 1, 2021
The two men fled in their truck and crashed into a wooded area a short time later, according to the statement. Brad Phillips was arrested at the scene and Troy Arthur Phillips was arrested Sunday after a manhunt. The charges against the men are felony murder, aggravated assault on a peace officer, attempted home invasion and more, according to the GBI statement.
The deputy shot was identified as Lt. Justin Bedwell, a Decatur County Sheriff employee for almost 20 years. During his time with the Sheriff’s office, Bedwell served as a patrol commander, training officer and a member of the command staff, Fox News reported.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said Bedwell’s death was “heartbreaking.”