ATLANTA, Georgia (Atlanta News First) – A Carroll County deputy who was shot in the head during a search operation Tuesday has died, according to the sheriff’s office.
Law enforcement shared the news about Investigator Taylor Bristow in a Facebook post early Saturday morning.
“Tonight we mourn the passing of Investigator Bristow, who has left this earth and gained his wings in heaven. He served our community with unwavering passion and dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Carroll County,” the statement said. “We are deeply saddened and at a loss for words. Please keep his family in mind and pray for them and respect their privacy as they grieve this difficult loss.”
On Tuesday morning, officers went to a home on Don Rich Drive in Carrollton to execute a search warrant for child pornography. The suspect, 40-year-old Christopher Bly, went back into the home after opening the door, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
“Bly pulled out a pistol and fired, hitting himself and (Bristow),” the GBI said.
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Bristow was flown by helicopter to Grady Memorial Hospital and underwent surgery. He was listed in critical condition afterward. According to the GBI, several child sexual abuse devices were later recovered from his home.
Following the tragedy, local businesses came together to support the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. Bill Green, the owner of Billy Bob’s Bar-B-Q, said the incident left him heartbroken.
“I felt an obligation to bring them some food,” he said. “The officers gather there, you know, they hug each other, they’re in a state of shock when something like this happens and the last thing on their minds is food, but they have to eat.”
Bristow was an investigator who had been with the department for six years. West Georgia First Responders operates the only legitimate website where people can donate to Bristow’s family, the sheriff’s office said.
Last Saturday, 30-year-old Paulding County Deputy Brandon Cunningham was also killed while responding to a private life call. The sheriff’s office said he was shot less than 10 seconds after arriving at the scene.
The suspect, James Atkins, also shot himself after a standoff lasting hours.
This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.
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