Fire Chief James Bartholomew Cauthen was shot dead while assisting a driver involved in a deer accident in Chambers County, Alabama.
Chambers County: A tragic incident unfolded when Fire Chief James Bartholomew Cauthen stopped to help a driver who had hit a deer. While they were looking for assistance, a homeowner unexpectedly opened fire on them.
This happened around 5 p.m. on Sunday near County Road 276. Both Cauthen and the driver were shot, and sadly, the fire chief was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, who was also injured, is expected to survive. The alleged shooter, 33-year-old William Randall Franklin, was hurt too after the driver returned fire. They had approached Franklin’s home because they had no cell service.
Cauthen was nearby because he was taking care of some property. His department expressed deep sorrow over his loss, highlighting his dedication and gentle nature after more than 24 years of service.
Franklin will face murder charges once he recovers. The driver’s wife stayed in their car and was unharmed. The first deputy on the scene was shocked by the violence, as he thought he was responding to a simple accident.
This incident echoes a similar case in New York where a homeowner shot a driver mistakenly entering his driveway, leading to tragic consequences.
