GA Sheriff's Lieutenant Shot and Killed in Vehicle Pursuit
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the shooting happened near U.S. Highway 84 and State Road 310 on Saturday, stemming from a car chase that began in Seminole County.

Lieutenant Justin Bedwell died Monday morning after getting emergency surgery in Tallahassee on Sunday. He was shot Saturday night. (Photo: Decatur County SO)
A longtime Decatur County, GA, Sheriff's deputy has died after he was shot during a vehicle pursuit Saturday in Brinson.
Decatur County Sheriff Wiley Griffin said Lieutenant Justin Bedwell died Monday morning after getting emergency surgery in Tallahassee on Sunday.
Lt. Bedwell was a 19-year veteran of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, WTXI reports.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the shooting happened near U.S. Highway 84 and State Road 310 on Saturday, stemming from a car chase that began in Seminole County.
Seminole County deputies tried to pull over a white Chevrolet pickup truck for reckless driving Saturday night when the suspects inside the vehicle, 41-year-old Brad Phillips and his 40-year-old brother Troy Arthur Phillips, opened fire.
Decatur County deputies joined the chase once it crossed over into the county, where the suspects attempted to break into a Decatur County home by shooting through the door. The homeowner returned fire and the suspects left.
The GBI said that as another Decatur County deputy, Lt. Bedwell, was arriving in the area, one of the suspects shot at the deputy’s vehicle, hitting the deputy.
Both suspects are in custody.
More Patrol

Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products for Law Enforcement Professionals at IACP 2026
Streamlight will showcase its newest lights for law enforcement at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference & Expo. Featured lights will include the TLR-3 X, the PolyTac 1X, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight Portable Scene Light III Wins 2026 OH&S New Product of the Year Award
Streamlight’s Portable Scene Light III has won the 2026 Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) New Product of the Year Award in the Lighting category.
Read More →
Adept Armor Introduces Two New Rifle Plates
Adept Armor has launched two new Level IV ballistic plates, the Emperor and the Archon Mark 2, which brings Adept Armor’s new Quatroid ceramic to the high-threat, performance-value center of the range at 5.2 pounds.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Benchmade Bailout
The Benchmade Bailout is a slim, lightweight carry knife with a deep-ride pocket clip and comes in a variety of blade steels and scales. Here is a detailed review of the Taiga Green Bailout, released earlier this year.
Read More →
NLEOMF Announces July 2026 Officer of the Month
NLEOMF honored a Michigan deputy sheriff as the July 2026 Officer of the Month for rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle following a Fourth of July crash.
Read More →
Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →