GA Deputy Shot To Death In Line Of Duty; Suspect Facing Murder Charge

CORDELE, GA — An Unadilla man is facing charges after authorities say he shot and killed a Crisp County deputy, stole his patrol car and led a police chase through multiple counties early Wednesday morning.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the deputy as Tyee Browne, 26, of Macon.

Authorities said Browne was checking on a stolen truck around 3:40 a.m. that had been left in the middle of the road near the 1300 block of Highway 280 West.

The GBI said while Browne was checking the truck, 25-year-old Croshawn Cross, of Unadilla, shot Browne and sped away from the scene in Browne's patrol car. Browne later died at a hospital, the GBI said.

"Prior to leaving the scene, responding Crisp County deputies fired shots at Cross," the GBI said in a news release Wednesday.

Cross was accused of leading law enforcement on a pursuit through multiple Georgia counties. The GBI said Cross was eventually arrested on Interstate 475 by the Monroe County and the Crisp County sheriff's offices.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office also recovered the stolen patrol car, the GBI said.

Cross has been charged on suspicion of malice murder, felony murder, two counts of aggravated assault, theft by receiving stolen property, carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, three counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and two counts of theft by taking.

Who Was Tyee Browne?

According to his obituary, Browne was a grandson, a friend and a hero who was born in Tampa, Florida. He served in the Army National Guard.

Browne played the trumpet and French horn in high school, was an avid soccer player and loved dogs.

"At 26-years-old, this young man faced evil while protecting our community. Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputy Tyee Michael Browne’s end of watch of protection over Crisp County was a testament to his unwavering commitment, extraordinary dedication and stellar service to the community," the obituary read.

He had been with the Crisp sheriff's office since February 2022, when he joined as a detention officer. He transferred to the Uniform Patrol Division in September 2022.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Deputy Browne’s family, friends, and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this profound loss. Please know that we are here for you, offering our unwavering support and assistance in any way we can," the sheriff's office said Wednesday in a statement.

"During this period of mourning, let us remember the profound impact Deputy Browne had on our lives and continue to carry his legacy forward. He will forever remain in our hearts and minds, inspiring us to serve our community with the same dedication, integrity and compassion."

The Smyrna Police Department, the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office, the Dallas Police Department and the Gwinnett County Police Department were among law-enforcement agencies that shared their condolences on social media.

The GBI shared a video on Facebook of Browne's body being transported from the state agency's Macon lab.

"As GBI employees from our Macon Crime Lab pause to view Deputy Tyee Browne leaving our regional lab, we are reminded of the sacrifice he made while serving his community at the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office. Keeping Deputy Browne’s family, both blood & blue, in our prayers," the agency said in the video caption.

Browne's funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 10, at the Crisp County Middle School Auditorium at the corner of South Pecan Street and East 24th Avenue. The family will receive loved ones, CCSO family and friends from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, July 9, at Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, 1010 E. 8th Ave. in Cordele.

"The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, 196 GA Hwy. 300 South, Cordele, GA 31015," the sheriff's office said on its Facebook page.