Georgia cop dies days after warrant-fueled shooting

We are saddened to report another police escort at GBI headquarters today.

We are praying for the family, both blood and blue, of Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Taylor Bristow. Rest in peace. ⚫️🔵⚫️ #LODD photo.twitter.com/hEbCY20n4y

— GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) August 25, 2024

Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia’s law enforcement community is once again mourning a hero. The Carroll County police officer who was shot while executing an arrest warrant died Friday night from his injuries, the sheriff’s office said.

Investigator Taylor Bristow was shot Tuesday morning and flown to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He remained in critical condition at the time of his death. Bristow was 30 and a married father of two.

“Tonight we mourn the passing of Detective Bristow, who has left this earth and gained his heavenly wings,” the Carroll Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. “He served our community with unwavering passion and dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Carroll County. We are heartbroken and speechless. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy as they grieve this profound loss.”

Bristow was the second metro Atlanta officer killed in the line of duty in less than a week. On Aug. 17, Paulding County Deputy Brandon Cunningham was shot and killed while responding to a report of domestic violence at a home near Hiram, investigators said.

Governor Brian Kemp was among those who offered condolences after learning of Bristow’s passing.

“Our hearts are heavy this morning as we join the Bristow family, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and all of Georgia as we mourn the loss of Detective Taylor Bristow,” Kemp said in a social media post. “May God give them strength and comfort during this painful time, and may he keep all of our law enforcement officers safe.”

Bristow, who had served with the Carroll department for six years, was attempting to serve an arrest warrant related to a GBI investigation into child sexual exploitation when he was shot, investigators said. The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. near Don Rich Drive, a dead-end road near Walker Lake, just south of Carrollton.

Christopher Bly, 40, of Carrollton, opened the door to the home and officers followed him inside, the GBI said Wednesday.

“Bly pulled out a handgun and fired, striking himself and one of the officers,” the GBI said in a news release. “Bly was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The GBI is still investigating the incident.

“The sadness we feel for the passing of one of our own is indescribable, but we are grateful to be part of a community whose outpouring of support and love is equally immeasurable,” the Carroll Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “For those who wish to honor Detective Bristow’s incredible life, a memorial has been established in front of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office for flowers, notes and other tributes.”

Bristow previously worked for the Ware County Sheriff’s Office and the Waycross Police Department.

Six Georgia police officers have died in the line of duty this year. Both Cunningham and Bristow were shot. The other four officers died in car accidents.

Bristow was the third Carroll police officer to die in the line of duty, according to the Officers Down Memorial Page, which tracks law enforcement deaths. Officer Davy Wayne Crawford died in a car crash in February 2010, and Lt. Billy Ray Jiles was shot and killed in September 2002. The department also lost Officer Jody Jerome Smith to COVID-19 in September 2021.

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