Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Identifies Suspect and Victim in Fatal Road Rage Shooting

Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Identifies Suspect and Victim in Fatal Road Rage Shooting

Paulding County, GA — Authorities have made an arrest and identified the victim involved in a fatal shooting that took place Monday, June 9, near the intersection of Ridge Road and Cohran Store Road in Paulding County.

At approximately 2:25 p.m., Paulding County E-911 received a distress call from a man who reported that he had been shot following an altercation with the driver of a black SUV. The caller, later identified as the victim, told dispatchers he had been involved in a confrontation that escalated to gunfire.

Despite being critically injured, the victim managed to drive himself to Paulding County Fire Station 5 in Douglasville to seek medical help. He was immediately transported to Wellstar Paulding Hospital, where he tragically died from his injuries.

The victim has been identified as Shawn Christopher Brannon, 41, of Piedmont, Alabama.

Following a swift and thorough investigation by Paulding County Sheriff’s Office detectives, the suspect was identified as Collins Pruitt, 46, of Cobb County. Pruitt was located at his home and taken into custody without incident.

According to investigators, the incident stemmed from a road rage confrontation that turned deadly. After reviewing the facts of the case, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the evidence, detectives determined that the incident did not meet the legal standard for a murder charge. As a result, Pruitt has been formally charged with one count of Voluntary Manslaughter, a felony offense.

He is currently being held without bond at the Paulding County Jail.

The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (770) 443-3047.

The Sheriff’s Office extended its condolences to Mr. Brannon’s family and emphasized the importance of de-escalation and restraint in tense moments on the road.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of how quickly a moment of anger can change lives forever,” a department spokesperson said. “We urge drivers to stay calm and avoid confrontations that can escalate beyond control.”