Cordele, GA – Crisp County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tyee Browne was fatally shot by a fugitive on Wednesday morning while conducting a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle.

The incident began at about 3:40 a.m. on July 5 when a Deputy Browne spotted a suspicious vehicle in the 1300-block of Highway 280 West in Cordele, WGXA reported.

The vehicle came back as stolen and the deputy was advised the driver was wanted for multiple burglaries in the area and might be armed.

When Deputy Browne got out of his patrol vehicle to return to the stolen car, the driver opened fire on him, WGXA reported.

Then the suspect stole the wounded deputy’s patrol vehicle.

The wounded hero was transported to Crisp Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds, WXIA reported.

Authorities said the alleged murderer led law enforcement officers on a chase through central Georgia that finally came to an end on Interstate 475 in Monroe County three hours later.

Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman announced his sheriff’s deputies had made an arrest and recovered the stolen police vehicle.

Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was heading up the investigation into the deputy’s murder, WXIA reported.

“Last night, a Crisp County Sheriff’s deputy met evil as he patrolled the streets of Crisp County,” Sheriff Hancock told reporters at a press briefing on Wednesday morning.

The sheriff said the fallen hero had graduated from the ABAC Regional Police Academy in September of 2022 and then completed a three-month Field Training Officer Program with his new department, WMAZ reported.

Deputy Browne, 26, was a military veteran who finished his reserve service duty last year, according to Sheriff Hancock.

Police have identified the hero’s alleged murderer as 25-year-old Croshawn Gerard Cross, WMAZ reported.

Cross has been charged with malice murder, felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, theft by receiving stolen property, carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and two counts of theft by taking.

GBI will investigate the deputy-involved shooting and turn its findings over to the Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, WMAZ reported.

“Early today, I stood behind a podium and informed you we lost one of our own. Unfortunately, words in the English dictionary do not shoulder the weight or adequately articulate this loss, but I can speak to the man he was and the legacy he will forever hold,” Sheriff Hancock said when he released the fallen hero’s name.

“Deputy, son, grandson, loved one, and friend while these are all titles that describe Deputy Tyee Browne,” the sheriff continued. “Hero is the title we bestow upon him today. At 26 years old, this young man faced evil in protecting this community.”

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Deputy Browne’s family, friends, and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this profound loss. Please know that we are here for you, offering our unwavering support and assistance in any way we can,” he said.

“During this period of mourning, let us remember the profound impact Deputy Browne had on our lives and continue to carry his legacy forward. He will forever remain in our hearts and minds, inspiring us to serve our community with the same dedication, integrity, and compassion,” Sheriff Hancock continued.

“Together, we can celebrate his life and remember his remarkable impact on us all. Deputy Browne started with Crisp County Sheriff’s Office in February of 2022 as a Detention Officer. In September of 2022, he transferred to the Uniform Patrol Division after graduating from basic mandate,” the sheriff said.

The #FBI offers our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Sheriff's Deputy Tyee Brown who was shot and killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop early this morning. @CrispCoSheriff pic.twitter.com/RTZ9ndqFul

— FBI Atlanta (@FBIAtlanta) July 5, 2023

In memory of Deputy Sheriff Tyee Browne of the Crisp County Sheriff's Office in Georgia.

Deputy Browne tragically lost his life while conducting a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle in Cordele, GA. He was shot by the subject, who then fled in Deputy Browne's patrol car. After a… pic.twitter.com/4iWKzPhyaS

— SUFFOLK COUNTY PBA (@SuffolkPBA) July 5, 2023

Our hearts and prayers go out to Crisp County and the family of Deputy Tyee Browne who was fatally wounded this morning after being shot during a traffic stop. pic.twitter.com/aJNwjfl7M2

— info@schad4walton.com (@schad4walton) July 5, 2023

🚨 OFFICER DOWN: Please pray for the family and friends of Crisp County Sheriff's Deputy Tyee Browne who was shot and killed this morning during a traffic stop.

The violence against the men and women of law enforcement is an attack on the foundation of our communities and a… pic.twitter.com/QIXYbuUtde

— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) July 5, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputy Tyee Browne, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Deputy Browne, your life mattered.