Decatur County Georgia Sheriff Lt. Justin Bedwell, was killed

Justin Bedwell of the Decatur County’s Sheriff’s Office died Monday morning after being shot dead by a suspect, the GBI said.

DECATUR COUNTY, Ga. – Law enforcement agencies and a small town in South Georgia mourn an MP killed on duty.

Justin Bedwell of the Decatur County’s Sheriff’s Office died Monday morning after being shot on duty, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed.

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

RELATED: Suspect captured after massive manhunt following gunfire that left Georgia MP in critical condition

Lt. Bedwell was a 19-year veteran of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office. They said he was a patrol commander, a training officer, and a “highly respected member of the command staff.”

Sheriff Wiley Griffin said, “Lieutenant Bedwell will truly be missed and we are devastated by his death. Please continue to pray for Lieutenant Bedwell’s family, the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and our ward.”

Governor Brian Kemp called it “heartbreaking news” in a statement he posted on Twitter, saying his ministry will not be forgotten.

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

On behalf of all Georgians, the Kemp family sends our heartfelt prayers to Lt. Bedwell’s family, loved ones, and fellow officers at the heart of this heartbreaking news. His heroic sacrifice and dedicated service will not be forgotten. https://t.co/7rNPZQgGnO

– Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 1, 2021

A massive manhunt took place on Sunday after two suspects, Brad Phillips and Troy Phillips, fled officers. You have been captured and are in custody.

The GBI said a Seminole County MP tried to stop the two men in a pickup truck with a Florida sticker for reckless driving on Saturday.

A car chase ensued and ended in a neighboring county where one of the suspects shot at the vehicle of a Decatur County MP.

Our prayers go to the bloody and blue family of Lt. Justin Bedwell of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office who died this morning after being shot dead on duty. He made the ultimate sacrifice and we thank him for his service. ⚫️🔵⚫️ pic.twitter.com/RfOfN7mQd6

– GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) March 1, 2021

As Lt. Bedwell arrived in the area, one of the suspects shot his vehicle and hit the deputy. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment and surgery, where he has since succumbed to his injuries.

The suspects took off in their truck and eventually crashed into a wooded area, the GBI said. A Georgia State Patrol helicopter responded to help locate it.

One of the two suspects, Brad Phillips, 41, was taken into custody without incident. He is expected to be charged with grievous bodily harm to a peace officer, the GBI said.

Troy Arthur Phillips stayed at large for most of Sunday morning and was eventually captured and arrested. A massive manhunt by several local, state and federal law enforcement officers resulted in his arrest.