Georgia Fire Chief Shot and Killed by Homeowner While Helping Man Who Struck a Deer: Police

A beloved fire chief in Georgia was shot and killed after knocking on a door to ask for assistance.

Coweta County Fire Department Chief James Bartholomew Cauthen, 54, stopped to help a couple after they struck a deer in Chambers County, Alabama, just over the Georgia border. Cauthen and the driver of the vehicle walked to a nearby property to call 911 because they didn't have cell phone service, WRBL reported.

William Randall Franklin, 33, who owned the property, opened fire, fatally striking Cauthen and injuring the driver. The driver was armed and fired back, injuring Franklin.

The fire chief attempted to cross the street, according to WRBL, but fell in a ditch and died from his injuries.

Coweta County Fire Rescue shared a Facebook post in remembrance of Chief Cauthen.

"Cauthen has been with our department for more than 24 years. He was an amazing, hard-working man with a gentle soul," the post read. "Just like many of you, we have many questions as we navigate through this horrible tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to Cauthen's family, friends and our brothers and sisters in the Fire Rescue family who worked closely with him."

Franklin remains in the hospital but will be arrested on a murder warrant when he is released, according to reporting by WRBL. His motive for the shooting has yet to be determined.