Deputy recovering after fatal shooting at Paulding County home

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. - A welfare check turned violent Thursday morning in Paulding County when a deputy was shot and a suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire.

What we know:

Deputies responded to a home outside of Dallas around 7 a.m. after the mother of 22-year-old Jamal Johnson called her employer to report that her son was acting erratically. The employer then contacted 911, alerting dispatchers that firearms were present in the home.

(Paulding County Sheriff's Office)

When deputies arrived, Johnson’s mother met them and led them to the house. As she opened the door, deputies say Johnson began shooting without warning.

"He was prepared," a sheriff’s official said at the scene. "As soon as we walked in, he started shooting at our deputies."

Deputy Bryce Maddox was struck in the shoulder and was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. At around 6 p.m., he was released and will continue his recovery at home. He has been with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office for four years, serving as a road deputy for the past two.

Brice Mattick. Courtesy of Paulding County Sheriff's Office

What they're saying:

"Thank God he’s going to be okay," officials said. "We’re making sure he’s taken care of through workers’ compensation and other resources."

Two other deputies returned fire, killing Johnson. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has confirmed his identity and is now handling the investigation.

This marks only the second time in the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office’s history that a deputy has been shot in the line of duty. Deputy Brandon Cunningham was killed in 2024 while responding to a domestic dispute call. 

The deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.

What's next:

The investigation remains active.