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Deputy dies after being shot by suspects during police chase, Georgia cops say

Police in Georgia got help from a homeowner who shot at two suspects during a chase in which a deputy was fatally shot, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation says.

A Seminole County deputy tried to pull over the driver of a 2500 Chevrolet pickup truck for reckless driving on Saturday, according to a Sunday news release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. But police say the driver refused to stop, and the deputy began chasing the truck.

Another deputy joined the chase, and the two men inside the truck began shooting at both deputies, who “returned fire,” the release says.

The pursuit eventually crossed into nearby Decatur County, where local deputies joined the chase, The GBI says.

Once in Decatur County, the driver of the truck pulled into the driveway of a home and the suspects tried to break into the house by “shooting through the door,” according to the release.

But police say the homeowner fired back at the suspects, causing them to run off.

Then, as a Decatur deputy drove into the area, one of the suspects fired at his car and hit him, the GBI says.

The suspects drove away in the truck before later crashing into a wooded area, where a Georgia State Patrol helicopter and crew responded and where one of the suspects, 41-year-old Brad Phillips, was “taken into custody without further incident.”

The other suspect, Troy Arthur Phillips, was captured later after “multiple local, state and federal law enforcement officers” joined the manhunt.

“If anyone comes in contact with Phillips, do not approach him,” the GBI said while the search was under way. “He is considered armed and dangerous.”

The GBI says the Decatur County deputy, Lt. Justin Bedwell, who was shot during the chase died Monday morning. He had been taken to a hospital for treatment and surgery.

“He paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we thank him for his service,” the GBI tweeted.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also tweeted about Bedwell’s death.

“On behalf of all Georgians, the Kemp Family sends our heartfelt prayers to Lt. Bedwell’s family, loved ones, and fellow officers in light of this heartbreaking news,” Kemp tweeted. “His heroic sacrifice and dedicated service will not be forgotten.”