Former Towns County Deputy Arrested for Fabricating Shooting Story
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – In a shocking turn of events, a former Towns County deputy, Austin Bradburn, 26, has been arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) for allegedly fabricating a story about being shot during a traffic stop. Bradburn’s initial account, which painted a picture of a violent struggle with a suspect, has been discredited by the GBI’s independent investigation, leaving the community stunned and raising questions about the motives behind the alleged deception.
The incident began in the early morning hours of December 13th, 2024. Bradburn reported that while patrolling Plott Town Road, he encountered a silver Honda sedan without a license plate. He claimed that the driver, described as a six-foot-tall, 175-pound white male, exited the vehicle and approached him. According to Bradburn’s initial report, a struggle ensued during which the driver grabbed his gun. Seven shots were fired, and Bradburn claimed he was struck twice. The suspect allegedly fled the scene, leaving the gun behind.
Following the reported shooting, a wave of sympathy and support poured in for the injured deputy. Bradburn gave an emotional interview from his hospital bed, recounting the harrowing incident and expressing his desire to apprehend the suspect to protect other officers. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist with his recovery, further solidifying public support. He portrayed himself as a dedicated officer committed to upholding the law, making the subsequent revelations all the more jarring.
However, the GBI’s investigation has unveiled a starkly different narrative. The agency has determined that Bradburn made multiple false statements about the incident, violating his oath of office in both Union and Hall counties. While the specifics of the GBI’s findings remain undisclosed, their investigation has concluded that Bradburn’s claims lack evidentiary support. This revelation has cast a shadow of doubt over the entire incident, leaving the community grappling with unanswered questions and a sense of betrayal.
The GBI has appealed to the public for any information that might shed light on the true events of that night. They encourage anyone with relevant information to contact Towns County 911, the GBI Tipline, or submit tips online or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determined to uncover the truth behind this perplexing case.
The arrest of Bradburn has sent shockwaves through Towns County. The once-lauded deputy now faces serious legal repercussions for his alleged actions. The GoFundMe campaign established for his recovery has since been halted, and the focus has shifted from support to scrutiny. The community is left to grapple with the fallout of this deception, while authorities continue to investigate the full extent of Bradburn’s alleged misconduct. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and the potential consequences of abusing public trust. The unanswered questions that linger are: What truly happened on Plott Town Road that night? What motivated Bradburn to fabricate such a story? And what are the full implications of his actions on the community and the law enforcement agencies involved? The search for these answers continues as the investigation progresses.