Hiram, Georgia — A Georgia sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed while responding to a domestic dispute. Police say the suspect ambushed the officers. The suspect then committed suicide.
Two deputies responded to a call shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday when they immediately encountered gunfire at a home in Hiram, Georgia, Major Ashley Henson of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office said in a briefing.
According to Henson, the male suspect also fired a “hail of bullets” at other officers, but only one was shot.
Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gurley confirmed in a news briefing that Deputy Brandon Cunningham, 30, died at a hospital from a gunshot wound.
“We lost a hero tonight,” Gulli said, adding, “It’s going to be a tough time for all of us and our players.”
The suspect, who was not immediately identified, died of a gunshot wound believed to be suicide, according to Henson.
A woman involved in a domestic dispute left and returned while police were on scene. She was also shot and taken to an Atlanta-area hospital, where she was listed in stable condition, Henson said.
Henson said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation would be overseeing the investigation, adding that it was not yet clear whether police returned fire in the area about 27 miles (43 kilometers) northwest of Atlanta.
“Unfortunately, it appears our agents were ambushed,” Henson said.
He called the shooting an “incredibly tragic situation” and said that until Saturday, the sheriff’s office had never lost an officer in the line of duty.
“Our hearts are broken,” Henson said. “You can see we’re holding on to it, but there’s already heartache and tears.”
