Second GA Deputy Dies from Sunday Shooting
A Peach County (GA) sheriff's deputy who was critically injured during a shootout has died. He is the second deputy killed in this incident. Both deputies were shot while responding to a complaint, according to agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Dep. Daryl Smallwood
Peach County (GA) sheriff's deputy Daryl Smallwood who was critically injured during a shootout has died. He is the second deputy killed in this incident.
Both Smallwood and Sergeant Patrick Sondron, who died Sunday, were shot while responding to a complaint, according to agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators said the shooting suspect is the father of a deputy from Jones County. There was a "thin blue line" symbol on the suspect's mailbox, WTVM reports.
According to authorities, 911 dispatchers received a call around 5:30 p.m. Sunday in reference to a dispute among neighbors on Hardison Road, just west of Byron. Two neighbors complained that another neighbor, 57-year-old Ralph Stanley Elrod, came out threatening them with a gun while they were riding an ATV and a motorcycle.
Two responding deputies interviewed the complaining neighbors. As they arrived at Elrod's property, he spoke with them briefly outside before opening fire, according to the GBI. Special Agent in Charge J.T. Ricketson said Elrod's home surveillance camera captured him drawing a handgun he had concealed on him and shooting the two deputies when one approached him to take him into custody.
Elrod has been charged with murder.
More Patrol
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →