Fire Chief Fatally Shot While Helping Crash Victim
Chambers County, Alabama — Tragedy struck on January 19 when Coweta County Battalion Fire Chief James Cauthen was fatally shot while attempting to help a driver who had hit a deer, according to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched to the scene of the accident at approximately 5 p.m. They arrived to discover three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Cauthen, 54, was pronounced dead on-site, while the other two men, including the alleged shooter, were airlifted to local hospitals for treatment.
“This was an exceptional call that nobody could have been prepared for,” the Sheriff’s Office shared in a social media post the following day. “Our first deputy on the scene thought he was pulling up on a simple deer wreck.”
According to investigators, Chief Cauthen and the driver had no cell service in the rural area and were walking up a nearby driveway to request assistance when the homeowner began shooting at them. Deputies said the suspected gunman would face murder charges upon his release from the hospital.
Community Mourns a Beloved Leader
Coweta County Fire Rescue released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of Cauthen, who had served the department for over 24 years.
“We lost one of our brothers, leaders, mentor, and family to a senseless tragedy,” the statement read. “James Cauthen was a hard-working man with a gentle soul, dedicated to serving his community.”
The news of Cauthen’s death has left both his department and the broader community in shock, as tributes pour in to honor his life of service. Coweta County is located about 40 miles southwest of Atlanta, Georgia.
Suspect to Face Charges
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the alleged shooter would be charged with murder and other related offenses. The investigation remains ongoing.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the risks that public servants like Chief Cauthen face, even when performing acts of kindness outside of their official duties.