Deputy US Marshal Killed in Southeast Georgia While Serving Warrant; Fugitive Shot Dead

LUDOWICI, GA — A deputy U.S. marshal and a fugitive were both killed in a shooting in southeast Georgia while authorities attempted to serve a warrant Friday morning, the U.S. Marshals Service said in a news release.

The shooting took place in rural Long County, Georgia, around 9 a.m. The deputy marshal, identified as Patrick Carothers, 53, was part of a team executing a search warrant on man wanted for attempted murder of police officers, domestic violence and unlawfully discharging a weapon during an incident in September in Sumter County, South Carolina.

The suspect was located in a trailer near Ludowici, Georgia. As Carothers’ team entered the trailer, he sustained two fatal rounds. The team returned gunfire, hitting the suspect multiple times, according to the news release.

Carothers was taken to a hospital in Hinesville where he died.

The suspect, identified as Dontrell Montese Carter, was taken to a hospital in Savannah where he was pronounced dead.

“Our deputies and law enforcement partners face dangers every day in the pursuit of justice nationwide,” U.S. Marshals Service Deputy Director David Harlow said in a statement. “The fugitive who killed Deputy Commander Carothers was extremely dangerous, wanted for trying to kill law enforcement officers and deliberately evading authorities. Pat is a hero and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and five children.”

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