A Georgia law enforcement officer who was shot over the weekend during a car chase died from his injuries this morning.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Lt. Justin Bedwell of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office died Monday morning.
“Lieutenant Bedwell will be truly missed and we are devastated by his passing. Please continue to pray for Lieutenant Bedwell’s family, the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and our community,” the Sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.
According to the GBI, preliminary information indicates that a Seminole County deputy was attempting to conduct a traffic stop on two suspects, one later identified as Troy Arthur Phillips, driving in a white 2500 Chevrolet pickup truck with a Florida tag for reckless driving on Saturday.
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The men refused to stop and a chase ensued. A second deputy joined the pursuit and officers say the suspects began to fire a weapon from the truck in the direction of Seminole County deputies. Seminole County deputies returned fire.
The deputies continued the chase into Decatur County where Decatur County deputies joined the pursuit. The suspects drove into the driveway of a Decatur County residence and attempted to gain entry by shooting through the door. The homeowner returned fire and the suspects left the residence, according to the GBI.
As Bedwell was arriving in the area, officers say one of the suspects shot at his vehicle, striking Bedwell.
Bedwell was taken to the hospital for treatment and surgery, but later died from his injuries.
The suspects fled in their truck and wrecked a short time later in a wooded area. A Georgia State Patrol helicopter and crew responded to the area of the wrecked truck. One of the two suspects, identified as Brad Phillips, age 41, was taken into custody without further incident. Phillips has been charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer.
Troy Arthur Phillips has been arrested and is in police custody.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
