GEORGIA-Lieutenant Justin Bedwell of the Decatur County Sheriff's Office, died from a gunshot wound sustained two days prior.
Lieutenant Bedwell was following a vehicle pursuit that began in a Seminole County. Deputies from Seminole County tried to conduct a traffic stop for reckless driving when the driver fled in the vehicle and passengers opened fire. They pursued them into Decatur County where the suspected vehcile stopped in a driveway of a home where the subjects attempted to force their way into the residence by shooting at the door. The owner of the residence fired back which deterred the subjects from entering the home further.
Lieutenant Bedwell arrived in the area when one of the suspects fired at his patrol unit with a .30 caliber rifle, which struck the officer in the chest. Another deputy suffered non-fatal injuries and one suspect was arrested on scene. The second suspect was arrested 12 hours later.
Lieutenant Bedwell succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Florida. He served as a law enforcement officer for 20 years.
Source: ODMP
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
