A Georgia battalion fire chief was shot and killed in Chambers County Sunday while helping a couple who hit a deer.
James Bartholomew "Bart" Cauthen stopped to help a couple on County Road 267, Chambers County Sheriff’s Office says. He and the driver walked to a nearby home to call for help because cell phone reception was unavailable.
William Randall Franklin, who lived in the home, opened fire, striking both men. The driver fired back, striking Franklin.
Cauthen, 54, who worked with Coweta County Fire, died on the scene. The driver and Franklin were both flown to area hospitals for treatment.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to Coweta County for his loss,” the sheriff’s office stated.
“Coweta County Fire Rescue continues to be devastated by the tragic passing of Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen,” the fire department posted. “Cauthen has been with our department for more than 24 years. He was an amazing, hard-working man with a gentle soul.”
Following his release from the hospital, Franklin was arrested and charged with murder.
The wife of the driver, who remained in the vehicle during the ordeal, was not injured.
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