Paulding County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Cunningham was tragically shot and killed while responding to a domestic dispute in Hiram, Georgia. He and another deputy were ambushed upon arrival at the scene, with Cunningham being shot and killed as soon as he exited his patrol vehicle. The suspect, identified as James Samuel Atkins, was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Cunningham’s partner was unable to render aid due to continued gunfire coming from inside the residence.
Cunningham, a 30-year-old deputy who left behind two children, was described as a hero and hard worker by Sheriff Gary Gulledge. This incident marked the first time the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office lost a deputy in the line of duty since its establishment in 1834. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the incident.
The female victim at the scene was identified as Kim Thao Vu, the suspect’s wife, who was shot by Atkins while trying to leave the residence after Cunningham was shot. She was transported to a hospital in stable but serious condition. The responding deputies were able to eventually get Cunningham away from the scene and into an ambulance with the help of an armored vehicle.
In honor of Deputy Cunningham, a memorial patrol vehicle has been placed in front of the sheriff’s office for the public to leave flowers and condolences. Sheriff Gulledge has asked for prayers for Cunningham’s family and the entire law enforcement community during this difficult time.
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