389 Country
Staff Report
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested Austin Bradburn, 26, of Blairsville, Georgia, a former Towns County deputy, on charges of filing a false report of a crime and violation of his oath of office in Towns County. Bradburn also faces additional charges, including multiple counts of false statements and violation of oath of office, in Union and Hall Counties.
The charges stem from an incident reported on December 13, 2024, in which Bradburn claimed he was shot during a traffic stop on Plottown Road in Young Harris, Georgia. Following a thorough and independent investigation, the GBI uncovered evidence contradicting Bradburn's original report, leading to his arrest.
According to the original release, Towns County authorities had requested GBI assistance in investigating an alleged aggravated assault on a deputy during a traffic stop. Bradburn had reported stopping a silver Honda sedan without a tag around 2:00 a.m. The suspect, described as a white male approximately six feet tall and weighing 170-180 pounds, reportedly exited the vehicle and failed to comply with Bradburn’s commands. Bradburn claimed a struggle ensued over his firearm, resulting in him being shot, while the suspect fled the scene in the vehicle. The deputy was transported to a metro hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
With the latest findings, the GBI has confirmed that Bradburn's report was fabricated. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with additional information to come forward.
Individuals with relevant details are urged to contact Towns County 911 or the GBI Tipline at 800-597-TIPS (8477). Information can also be submitted online at gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or through the "See Something, Send Something" mobile application.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
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