Former Ga. deputy arrested over statements about struggle

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Georgia Bureau Investigation said it arrested a former north Georgia deputy who was shot during a struggle with a suspect over a gun for allegedly making false statements about the incident.

The GBI said it arrested Austin Bradburn, 26, of Blairsville, on charges of false report of a crime and violation of oath of office in relation to the shooting, which happened during a traffic stop in Young Harris on Dec. 13.

The GBI said at the time that Bradburn, then a Towns County sheriff’s deputy, pulled over a silver Honda sedan without a tag on Plottown Road.

The driver of the Honda stopped, then immediately got out of the car and approached Bradburn, the GBI said shortly after the incident. The agency said the driver “did not obey the deputy’s commands, and the deputy attempted to tase the man,” but “the attempt was unsuccessful.”

Bradburn and the man then began fighting over Bradburn’s gun, and Bradburn was shot during the struggle, the GBI said at the time.

The agency said the suspect then drove away, but “did not take the deputy’s gun.”

Bradburn was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The GBI described the suspect as a white man standing about 6 feet tall and weighing between 170 and 180 pounds. He was wearing a black beanie, a gray hoodie and black athletic pants. Authorities haven’t identified the man, who is still on the run.

The Towns County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation, which is standard in shootings involving law enforcement officers. The GBI said its investigation “revealed information to support the charges against Bradburn,” but did not elaborate.

The agency said Bradburn was also charged with multiple counts of false statements and violation of oath of office in Union and Hall counties.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Towns County 911.

You can also submit a tip to the GBI by calling 800-597-TIPS (8477), submitting an online report or downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

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