GBI Arrests Former Towns County Deputy

UPDATE - January 21, 2025

Hiawassee, Georgia (January 21, 2025) – The GBI arrested Austin Bradburn, age 26, of Blairsville, Georgia, former Towns County Deputy, for false report of a crime and violation of oath of office in Towns County, Georgia.  Bradburn was additionally arrested for multiple counts of false statements and violation of oath of office in Union and Hall Counties.  

These charges stem from the December 13, 2024 report that Bradburn was shot during a traffic stop on Plottown Rd. in Young Harris, Georgia.  The GBI conducted a thorough and independent investigation which revealed information to support the charges against Bradburn. 

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Towns County 911 or the GBI Tipline at 800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile application.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

Towns County, GA (December 13, 2024) - At the request of the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating an aggravated assault on a Towns County Sheriff’s deputy who was shot during a traffic stop.

The suspect has not been identified but is described as a white man, who is about 6 feet tall and 170-180 lbs. He was driving a 2010 or similar model silver Honda four-door sedan. The suspect wore a black beanie, gray hoodie, and black athletic pants.

Just after 2:00 a.m., a Towns County deputy sheriff saw a silver Honda sedan without a tag and initiated a traffic stop on the car on Plott Town Road in Young Harris, Towns County, GA. The driver of the car stopped but immediately got out of the car and walked towards the deputy. The driver did not obey the deputy’s commands, and the deputy attempted to tase the man. The attempt was unsuccessful. The deputy and the man fought over the deputy’s gun, and the deputy was shot. The man drove away from the area in the Honda. The man did not take the deputy’s gun.

Law enforcement and EMS responded to the scene and provided care to the deputy. The deputy was taken to a metro hospital for treatment. The deputy’s injuries are not life-threatening.

This investigation is active and ongoing. The GBI and the Towns County Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s help in identifying the man who shot the deputy in this incident. Please call Towns County 911 or the GBI Tipline at 800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile application.