Deputy Brandon Cunningham killed in ambush over domestic dispute in Georgia

A deputy was fatally injured while investigating a domestic dispute in northwestern Georgia on Saturday evening, marking a heartbreaking first for the Paulding County Sheriff's Office , as Deputy Brandon Cunningham lost his life in the line of duty.

Tragic Incident Unfolds

Deputy Cunningham, along with another deputy, responded to a residence around 6:13 p.m. in reference to the domestic dispute. Upon their arrival, they were met with gunfire from a suspect inside the home, which has been described as an "ambush" by Maj. Ashley Henson. Deputy Cunningham was fatally struck by the gunfire.

Sheriff Gary Gulledge expressed his profound grief at the loss, stating, "Tonight, we’ve lost a hero.” He appealed to the community to keep Deputy Cunningham's family in their prayers, emphasizing the deep sense of pain felt by the entire staff.

Deputy Cunningham's Legacy

Deputy Cunningham had been with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office since 2020, dedicating around two years in the uniformed patrol division. At only 30 years old, he leaves behind two children. His commitment and service to the department and community were acknowledged by Maj. Henson, who expressed, "He was a great deputy, good young man.”

During the course of the incident, the female victim from the domestic dispute call arrived at the scene and had also sustained gunshot wounds. She was promptly taken to an intensive care unit at an Atlanta hospital and is reported to be in stable condition, although her condition remains subject to change, as per Henson's statement.

Ongoing Investigations

The male suspect, who allegedly discharged the firearm, was discovered deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, as per Henson's account. The identity of the suspect has not been revealed, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is set to conduct a thorough probe into the incident. 

This tragic event underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers daily. The Paulding County Sheriff's Office is grieving the loss of a dedicated officer, and the community stands united in mourning Deputy Brandon Cunningham's untimely death.