Paulding County deputy sheriff killed in violent incident, shooter dead

HIRAM, Georgia. – Paulding County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Cunningham was killed and a woman was injured during a domestic dispute call in Hiram that turned violent. The gunman was later found inside the home where he had barricaded himself, apparently dead from a gunshot wound.

On Saturday, shortly before 6:15 p.m., officers were called to a home in the Harmony Creek neighborhood on Bill Carruth Parkway near Virgie Ballentine Drive in Hiram.

Representative Brandon Cunningham recalled: “Tonight we lost a hero”

The sheriff announced the grim news that this was the first line-of-duty death the Paulding County Sheriff's Office had ever experienced.

“You have to be patient for a moment…” said Paulding County Sheriff Gary Gulledge as he stepped before reporters at around 10:45 p.m. to deliver the heartbreaking news. “I want you all to know that we lost a hero tonight. Deputy Cunningham succumbed to a gunshot wound in the emergency room here in [WellStar] Paulding [Medical Center].”

“I ask the community to support, support and sustain us as always. It's going to be a tough time for all of us and all of our people,” the sheriff added, fighting back tears. “I know what Paulding County is and I know the people here. I know what you're going to do. I ask you to keep this family in your prayers. Everyone, even if you're not in this county. I ask you to pray for this family… both blood and blue.”

Deputy Brandon Cunningham was just 30 years old.

He had been with the sheriff's office since 2020.

About two years ago, he was assigned to the uniformed patrol division.

“He was a great MP, a fine young man,” the major said.

A photo posted on the sheriff's office Facebook page shows Deputy Cunningham graduating from North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy's Basic Mandate Class No. 339 on April 29, 2022.

Paulding County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Cunningham poses for a photo after winning a raffle to benefit the Paulding Cops for Kids, Inc. Christmas shopping program. The photo was posted to the agency's Facebook page on August 10, 2023.

Around this time last year, another post celebrated the deputy winning tickets to an Atlanta Braves game through the Paulding Cops for Kids, Inc. Christmas shopping program.

He leaves behind two children.

Sheriff Gulledge said he was overwhelmed by the support of his fellow sheriffs and police from across the state. He did, however, have one request.

“Please keep the Cunningham family in your prayers. Please don't go to bed without saying a prayer for them and our office,” the sheriff asked.

Several law enforcement agencies are posting on various social media platforms calling for prayers for the Paulding County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff said this was the first line-of-duty death in his entire history.

Paulding County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Cunningham graduates from North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy Basic Training Class #339 on April 29, 2022. (Paulding County Sheriff's Office)

Deputy and wife shot in Hiram House: “Our deputies were attacked”

According to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, two officers responded to a home on Foggy Creek Lane just before 6:15 p.m. Saturday and were immediately met with gunfire when they opened the doors of their patrol cars. Additional officers soon arrived at the scene and were also fired upon from inside the home.

At some point, Deputy Cunningham was shot and taken to a nearby hospital where he died.

“It appears our deputies were ambushed,” said Paulding County Sheriff Major Ashley Henson, adding that deputies responding to the incident said they were “rained with gunfire.”

Investigators soon discovered that a woman had left the house and was found with a gunshot wound upon her return.

She was taken to a nearby hospital. At 10:45 p.m., the woman was in critical but stable condition.

Shooting in Hiram triggers standoff: “Hundreds of police officers”

SWAT teams moved into the neighborhood to assist, and authorities from across the state of Georgia responded when they learned of the deputy's shooting.

“Hundreds of police officers are here or have just left the scene,” said the major.

FOX 5 crews observed representatives from several law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia State Patrol, the Floyd County Sheriff's Office, Cobb County Sheriff's Office, Fulton County Sheriff's Office, Paulding County Sheriff's Office, and the Powder Springs and Cobb County Police Departments.

Several BearCats, armored tactical security vehicles, were deployed to protect people on site.

Armed man found dead in Hiram house

A SWAT team later entered the home on Foggy Creek Lane and found the man, whose name was not released, dead from an apparent gunshot wound.

“We will have more information shortly about the person involved in this situation,” the major said.

Details about the break-in at the home were not released late Saturday.

Residents returned to their homes early Sunday morning. Many of the surrounding houses were evacuated during the standoff.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been asked to investigate the incident.

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