Georgia Deputy Killed in Ambush, Suspect Dead
Sheriff Gary Gulledge says Deputy Brandon Cunningham was met with a “hail of gunfire” when he stepped out of his patrol vehicle and “never saw the threat.”

Paulding County (Georgia) Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Cunningham was killed in an ambush Saturday evening.
Paulding County SO/Facebook
A Paulding County (Georgia) Sheriff’s deputy was ambushed and killed Saturday evening at a domestic call in Hiram, Georgia. The suspect is dead.
Sheriff Gary Gulledge says Deputy Brandon Cunningham was met with a “hail of gunfire” when he stepped out of his patrol vehicle and “never saw the threat.”
In a Facebook statement, the sheriff said responding deputies could not reach Cunningham because of the intense fire coming from the suspect. They eventually used an armored vehicle to evacuate the mortally wounded deputy.
A female victim was also shot at the scene. Identified by officials as Kim Thao Vu, 52, and the wife of the suspect, she was wounded attempting to flee the house immediately after the deputy was ambushed. She was transported to the hospital in stable by serious condition.
A standoff ensued involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Bearcat armored vehicles, drones, and robots were used during the standoff.
The body of the suspect, James Samuel Atkins, was found in the home during the standoff. He apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Deputy Brandon Cunningham is survived by two children. He was 30.
More Patrol

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 →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →