In the quiet community of Locust Grove, Georgia, a routine attempt to serve a warrant on February 9, 2018, spiraled into a tragic and fatal encounter. The day ended with the death of 26-year-old Locust Grove Police Officer Chase Maddox and the suspect, 39-year-old Tierre Guthrie. The events unfolded when two Henry County Sheriff's deputies, Michael D. Corley and Ralph 'Sid' Callaway, arrived at Guthrie's home to serve a warrant for his failure to appear in court on traffic violations.
Guthrie became combative, prompting the deputies to call for backup. Officer Chase Maddox, a five-year veteran of the Locust Grove Police Department, was the one who responded. A physical altercation ensued, escalating quickly to an exchange of gunfire. In the ensuing chaos, all three officers and Guthrie were shot. Maddox was struck three times, with the fatal wound being to his head. He was rushed to Atlanta Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, Tierre Guthrie, was shot four times and died at the scene. The two deputies were also wounded in the exchange. Deputy Corley was hit in his protective vest and was treated and released from the hospital. Deputy Callaway sustained a more serious wound to his lower abdomen but was reported to be in stable condition after surgery.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community mourned the loss of Officer Maddox, who was remembered as a dedicated officer and a loving family man. He left behind a wife and a young son, with another son born just four days after his death. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Guthrie was described by neighbors as a former U.S. Marine and a father. Reports also indicated that he held anti-government beliefs.
