Hundreds line streets to honor Ga. deputy killed in line of duty
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Flashing blue lights covered nearly 40 miles of metro Atlanta as Deputy Brandon Cunningham’s body was escorted from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s headquarters to a funeral home in Hiram on Monday.
“Pay my respect to the police officers,” said Cody, a teenager from Dallas who stood on the side of the road with a sign honoring the fallen deputy.
Not only were officers lining the road for Cunningham, so were Georgians eager to show their for him, his family and local law enforcement.
“Because our law enforcement shows their to the community in that identical, big, colorful way every day,” said Jim Tully, who lives in Paulding County.
“God bless them, and I’ll be praying for them,” said Cody.
A member of the sheriff’s office since 2020, the 30-year-old father of two was shot and killed over the weekend while responding to a domestic violence call in Hiram.
“He’s a leader – he was going to be a leader here,” said Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge.
Vehicle accidents kill 3 people in Burke, Aiken and Orangeburg counties
Traffic accidents killed at least three people over three days in three counties. The latest was an off-road vehicle crash in Burke County.
Authorities say Cunningham was ambushed by 42-year-old Jimmy Atkins, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after an hourslong standoff.
“This man was called to a scene to assist somebody in distress and was met with life-ending force,” said Tully.
Cunningham’s brother Kevin declined to go on camera but shared this statement: “Our only wish is for Brandon’s name and heroism to be ed rather than make this .”
3 die in fiery crash on Deans Bridge Road while fleeing police
Deputies say the driver of a vehicle fled police on Deans Bridge Road, crossing over into oncoming traffic at Etterle Road and struck another vehicle head-on. Three people died.
SWAT teams from different agencies showed up to provide backup during the standoff that ensued.
Cunningham was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Officials said the suspect took his own life. He has been identified as James Samuel Atkins, 42. Atkins was Vu’s husband.
“This is a tremendously tragic situation,” Henson said. “Our hearts are broken. You see us holding it together, but there are going to be... there is already heartache. There’s already tears.”
53-year-old woman shot dead, found on Dan Bowles Road in Augusta
A woman was found shot dead in Augusta, the latest victim in a two-year crime outbreak that’s claimed more than 170 lives in the CSRA.
Cunningham started working for the sheriff’s department in 2020 and had been in the uniform patrol division for about two years. He graduated from Marietta High School in 2012, according to the Marietta Police Department.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
