A tragic incident unfolded in Alabama where a Georgia fire chief was shot dead while trying to help a couple whose vehicle had struck a deer. James Bartholomew Cauthen, a 54-year-old battalion chief with Coweta County Fire Rescue, was fatally shot on Sunday afternoon as he approached the scene to offer assistance. According to reports from the HuffPost, this incident occurred on County Road 267 in the Stroud area, approximately 100 miles from Montgomery.

Local authorities received dispatch calls around 5 p.m., initially responding to a traffic accident involving the deer collision. Upon arrival, they found Cauthen deceased and two other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Reports indicate that the driver, unable to receive cell service for help, approached nearby resident William Randall Franklin's home for assistance when he opened fire without warning, as stated by the Chambers County Sheriff's Office.

During this unexpected shootout, both the driver, who was armed, and Cauthen were injured, while Franklin was also wounded in return fire. Authorities later confirmed, in a statement provided to CBS News, that the driver and Franklin were transported to local medical centers for treatment, and both are expected to recover.

The Coweta County Fire Rescue expressed their devastation over Cauthen's passing, lamenting the loss of a dedicated professional who served for over 24 years. In a heartfelt statement shared on their USA Today page, they described him as “an amazing, hard-working man with a gentle soul,” extending condolences to his family and colleagues.

As investigations continue, arrest warrants are expected for Franklin, who will be taken into custody immediately after his release from the hospital. The Chambers County Sheriff's Office continues to seek answers surrounding this “horrific” event, with Chief Deputy Mike Parrish commenting on the bizarre nature of the incident, stating, “A deer wreck... you pull up and three people are shot - it just doesn’t make sense any way you look at it.” For those with further information regarding this incident, authorities encourage contacting them directly.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Coweta County for this tremendous loss, as the community mourns the fallen chief who dedicated his life to serving others.

For detailed reports, please refer to ABC News, AP News, and others covering this developing story.