Wife of Carroll County investigator shot while serving search warrant says God 'is in control'
CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. - The wife of a Carroll County sheriff's investigator who was shot and critically wounded while serving a search warrant is thanking community members for keeping her husband in their prayers.
Carroll County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Ashley Hulsey told FOX 5 Atlanta that Bristow was in the area of Don Rich Drive in Carrollton on Tuesday assisting with the execution of a "children sexual exploitation search warrant."
That's when a gunman opened fire, striking the deputy who had been with the sheriff's office for around six years.
Bristow was flown to Grady Memorial Hospital for emergency surgery.
The suspected gunman was later found dead. The sheriff's office maintains that none of their officers fired their weapons during the encounter.
"We appreciate all the community reaching out. We've had dozens of phone calls and visitors," said Sheriff Terry Langley.
On Tuesday evening, Bristow made it out of surgery and was transported to the hospital's intensive care unit where he has been recovering ever since.
Deputy Bristow's wife, Lyssa, and two children are by his side. In a statement his wife expressed her appreciation to everyone for their well wishes.
The statement from Lyssa Bristow reads:
"We see everything and we feel everything. The love, the prayers, the thoughts, the well wishes.
"We are fighting the good fight and APPRECIATE every little and big thing. It’s does not go without notice.
"I love you all and my words will never be able to form a true statement of what I feel inside. My heart is in a thousand pieces right now and I wish I had good news and a true update but we are not out of the woods yet and we need all the love, prayers and well wishes to continue! God is good and he is in control!"
Taylor Bristow (Carroll County Sheriff's Office)
GBI: Carroll County shooter identified, killed himself
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says 40-year-old Christopher Bly of Carrollton was the gunman.
Investigators say Bly opened the door immediately after deputies and agents knocked, but retreated back inside upon realizing it was law enforcement serving a search warrant. Deputies followed him into the house, where investigators say he drew a handgun and discharged it, resulting in wounds to himself and a deputy.
Bly was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy revealed Bly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Bly was the center of an ongoing investigation by the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit. It requested the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday morning to assist in the search warrant.
Investigators seized multiple electronic devices within the home, which were examined. On Wednesday, the GBI reported that investigators had found child sexual abuse material on those devices.
Carroll County community rallies around sheriff's office
Prayers and support are pouring in for Deputy Bristow, who was shot in the line of duty on Tuesday and is not in the hospital in critical condition.
"It was shocking," said Bill Green, owner of Billy Bob's Bar-B-Q.
GBI identifies gunman who shot Carroll County deputy
The GBI has released the name of the man who shot and killed a Carroll County Sheriff’s investigator. Forty-year-old Christopher Bly shot the investigator while attempting to shoot himself. Bly died from his injuries, but the investigators is in ICU.
Green says Deputy Bristow had just been to his restaurant last week.
When Green heard the news, he immediately jumped into action and delivered food to the sheriff's office.
"They were in a good amount of shock. They were hugging on each other," said Green.
For years, Green has dropped off meals for law enforcement during difficult times.
"The last thing they're thinking about is getting food," said Green.
How to help Carroll County Investigator Bristow, family
West Georgia First Responders and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office have organized a donation site for Bristow's family.
"We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has reached out, brought food, and offered assistance to the family and to those who work alongside Investigator Bristow," a spokesperson said. "Your generosity and support mean more than words can express."
The sheriff has also asked the public to "please respect the family’s privacy at this time."