Recently, Paulding County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Cunningham was killed in what has been described as an “ambush” while responding to a domestic dispute call in Hiram, Georgia. Cunningham succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack at a hospital on Saturday. The 30-year-old law enforcement officer leaves behind two children.
According to reports, two deputies responded to a call at a home around 6:15 on Saturday, where they were met with gunfire immediately upon opening the doors to the patrol car. Reinforcements arrived at the home shortly after and were also fired at by the suspect. “It appears our deputies were ambushed,” Paulding County Sheriff’s Major Ashley Henson stated. “He was a great deputy; a good young man,” the major added.
“You’re going to have to bear with me a sec,” Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge told reporters after the incident, where he delivered the news that Cunningham had been killed. “I want to let y’all know that tonight, we lost a hero. Deputy Cunningham succumbed to a gunshot wound at the emergency room over here at [WellStar] Paulding [Medical Center].”
The sheriff continued, “I ask that this community, as you always do, to join behind us, stand beside us, and hold us up. It’s going to be a tough time for all of us and all of our guys. I know what Paulding County is, and I know the people here. I know what you’ll do. I ask that you keep this family in your prayers. Everybody, even if you’re not in this county, I ask that you pray for this family – Both blood and blue.”
The Paulding County Sheriff’s Department took to Facebook, announcing the tragic incident in a post titled, “Paulding Deputy Killed in Ambush While Responding to Domestic Dispute.” The statement detailed how the barrage of gunfire from the suspect prevented officers from reaching Cunningham after he had been hit to render aid. The suspect was later found dead in the home from an apparent gunshot.
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