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Incident
Patrol Officer James Bryant was shot and killed after being ambushed by a man who was being evicted.
The officer was accompanying a property owner to remove a renter's trailer off of the property. The renter, who was aware that officers would be coming, hid a deer rifle in the woods behind the trailer. As Officer Bryant approached, the renter ran behind the trailer and Officer Bryant gave chase. The renter then retrieved the rifle and shot Officer Bryant three times, once in each arm and once in the head.
Staff Sergeant Clyde Merritt, of the Coffee County Sheriff's Office, was later shot and killed after responding to the assistance call.
The shooter, 55, was subsequently arrested after being surrounded by officers from several agencies. On November 15, 2006, he was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.
Officer Bryant worked part-time for the Broxton Police Department, which has five full and part-time officers and was a full-time officer with the Lumber City Police Department.
He had been in law enforcement for seven years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrol Officer Bryant gave the Broxton Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Broxton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Bryant.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Broxton Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2000, 8 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 2000, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2000, 73 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 35. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. James had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 35. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.1% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Mondays: 12.6%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Broxton Police Department.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Broxton Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Broxton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.