Bart Cauthen Obituary, Death; – The community of Coweta County is in mourning following the tragic loss of one of its fire chiefs, which has been described as a “senseless tragedy.”
Coweta County Fire Rescue has reported that Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen, 54, from Moreland, Georgia, was fatally injured on Sunday night in Chambers County, Alabama, while attempting to assist a motorist.
As per the initial investigation conducted by the Chambers County Alabama Sheriff’s Office, Chief Cauthen was providing aid to a driver who had collided with a deer on County Road 267. A local resident, identified as William Randall Franklin, allegedly opened fire on both Chief Cauthen and the motorist involved in the incident.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that Chief Cauthen, the driver he was aiding, and Franklin sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire. Chief Cauthen succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other two individuals were airlifted to nearby trauma facilities.
Authorities have issued arrest warrants for murder against Franklin, who will be apprehended upon his discharge from Piedmont Medical Center.