Georgia sheriff’s deputy dies days after being shot while executing a search warrant

CARROLLTON, Ga. (AP) – A deputy sheriff has died days after he was shot while executing a search warrant in western Georgia, authorities said.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday night that Investigator Taylor Bristow has died from injuries sustained in Tuesday’s shooting. Bristow was shot and critically wounded while serving a Georgia Bureau of Investigation warrant in a Carrollton neighborhood.

“Tonight we mourn the passing of Detective Bristow, who has left this earth and gained his heavenly wings,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “He served our community with unwavering passion and dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Carroll County.”

Bristow was admitted to Grady Hospital in Atlanta. Carrollton is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Atlanta.

Bristow assisted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in executing a search warrant by agents from the child abuse and computer crimes unit. The GBI said the suspect, Christopher Bly, ran into the home before firing a gun, striking himself and Bristow. Bly, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our hearts are heavy this morning as we join with the Bristow family, the Carroll Co. Sheriff’s Office, and all Georgia residents in mourning the loss of Investigator Taylor Bristow,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp wrote on X. “May God grant them strength and comfort during this painful time, and may He keep all of our law enforcement officers safe.”

According to the GBI, during their search, officers located and seized multiple electronic devices containing child abuse material.