GA Firefighter Killed In Shooting While Helping Driver Who Hit Deer

ATLANTA, GA — Coweta County Battalion Fire Chief James Bartholomew Cauthen was fatally shot while helping a driver who had hit a deer Sunday along an Alabama road, authorities in both states said.

The Chambers County, Alabama, Sheriff's Office said Cauthen, 54, was attempting to help the driver at County Road 267 when William Randall Franklin shot both of them. Cauthen died at the scene, authorities said.

Cauthen was set to work a shift on Monday, Coweta County fire officials said in a Facebook post. He worked at the local fire department for at least 24 years, fire officials said.

"Coweta County Fire Rescue continues to be devastated by the tragic passing of Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen. ... He was an amazing, hard-working man with a gentle soul. Just like many of you, we have many questions as we navigate through this horrible tragedy," fire officials said in a Facebook post.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to Cauthen’s family, friends and our brothers and sisters in the Fire Rescue family who worked closely with him. We want to thank all of the agencies who have reached out to us to offer condolences, as well as our community. Coweta County is always there to support our agency, we will get through this together.At this time, we do not have further details outside of what was released from the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office nor have funeral arrangements been made. We will share updates as they become available."

Alabama authorities said arrest warrants have been obtained to charge Franklin on suspicion of murder. He will be arrested after being released from Piedmont Medical Center in Alabama, authorities said. A motive in the shooting was not released.