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Written by: E. George
Published August 27, 2024 @ 12:15 PM ET
Update: Taylor Bristow, the Carroll County deputy who was critically shot while executing a search warrant last week, has passed away. Bristow was a 30-year-old married father of two children.
The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office posted online, “Tonight, we mourn the passing of Investigator Bristow, who has left this earth and gained his heavenly wings. He served our community with unwavering passion and dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Carroll County.
We are deeply saddened and at a loss for words. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers, and kindly respect their privacy as they grieve this profound loss.”
The sheriff’s office added, “The grief we carry for the passing of one of our own is beyond words, but we are grateful to be part of a community whose overwhelming support and love is just as immeasurable. For those who wish to honor the incredible life of Investigator Bristow, a memorial has been set up in front of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office for flowers, notes, and other tributes.”
Governor Brian Kemp posted, “Our hearts are heavy this morning as we join the Bristow family, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and all Georgians in mourning the loss of Investigator Taylor Bristow. May God give them strength and comfort during this painful time, and may he keep all our law enforcement safe.”
The GBI is investigating this case.
Anyone who wishes to help Investigator Bristow’s family can make a donation to the West Georgia First Responders non-profit organization. The sheriff’s office confirmed that this organization, which provides first responders in the area with assistance and support, is the only legitimate donation option associated with Bristow’s family.
CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. – On August 20, 2024, Carroll County sheriff’s investigator Taylor Bristow was critically injured in a shooting while serving a warrant with the GBI. The incident occurred at a residence on Don Rich Drive in Carrollton, approximately 50 miles southwest of Atlanta.
Investigator Bristow was shot in the face while executing a search warrant related to a child sexual exploitation case. The shooting happened around 8:30 AM as Bristow and officers from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) were involved in the operation.
Bristow was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta due to the severity of his injuries. Ashley Hulsey, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said he was in “very critical condition.”
Hulsey confirmed that the suspected shooter is deceased, stating, “The suspect shot him, and the suspect is deceased.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified 40-year-old Christopher Bly from Carrollton as the shooter.
According to investigators, Bly answered the door when deputies and agents arrived with a search warrant but then retreated inside upon realizing they were law enforcement. Deputies followed him into the house, where Bly reportedly drew a handgun and fired it, injuring both himself and a deputy. Bly was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy determined that Bly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Bly was under investigation by the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, which had requested assistance from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office to execute the search warrant.
During the search, multiple electronic devices were seized and examined. By Wednesday, the GBI confirmed that investigators had discovered child sexual abuse material on these devices.
It has been noted that no officers fired their weapons during the encounter. The GBI is handling the investigation into the incident, though they have stated that the shooting will not be classified as an officer-involved shooting.
Investigator Bristow, who has served with the sheriff’s office for approximately six years, underwent emergency surgery on Tuesday. By late afternoon, the sheriff’s office reported that Bristow had been moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following the operation.
“He’s out of surgery; they’ve done a CT scan and moved him to ICU,” the office posted on Facebook. The extent of his recovery remains uncertain, with the sheriff’s office calling for continued prayers for Bristow and his family.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his concern: “Marty, the girls, and I are praying for this Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy, along with his family and the entire law enforcement community.” He also highlighted the ongoing risks law enforcement officers face daily, adding, “Yet again, we have been tragically reminded of the dangers men and women in uniform face on a daily basis for the public’s safety.”
Sheriff Terry Langley described Bristow as an “outstanding officer” and a dedicated member of the force. Langley noted the heavy emotional toll the incident has taken on Bristow’s family, who spent the day anxiously waiting for updates at the hospital.
The sheriff’s office has appealed to the community for support and prayers. Sheriff Langley stated, “We just continue to need the prayers from everybody to see him through this, and we’ll take this one day at a time.”
Hulsey reiterated the sentiment, saying, “Just pray. Just pray. That’s all we can ask for. Just pray for our deputy; pray for our department. Pray for his family, and pray the nonsense ends.
Our deputies put on a gun and badge and a vest every day, and they never know if they’re going to make it home, and that’s something that really sticks with all of us when things like this happen.”
Investigator Bristow’s wife released a statement: “We are fighting the good fight and APPRECIATE every little and big thing. It does not go without notice. I love you all and my words will never be able to form a true statement of what I feel inside,” she said. “My heart is in a thousand pieces right now and I wish I had good news and a true update but we are not out of the woods yet and we need all the love, prayers and well wishes to continue! God is good and he is in control!”
This incident occurred just days after another devastating event involving law enforcement in Georgia. Less than three days prior, Paulding County Deputy Brandon Cunningham, 30, was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call in Hiram, just north of Carroll County. Cunningham’s funeral services will be held on Friday.