By Joe Joe Wright

Tragedy has struck in the neighboring county of Peach. At approximately 5:30pm deputies were called to a disturbance between neighbors outside of Byron, Ga. and were shot.

Sgt. Sonrod a 12 year veteran of the Peach County Sheriff’s office and Deputy Daryl Smallwood a former Crisp County Deputy were shot just after exiting their vehicles. Sgt. Sonrod succumb to his injuries and Smallwood remains in critical condition as a result of two gun shot wounds. “ This is a tragedy for any Sheriff’s Office but it is also tragic for all state law enforcement,” said Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock. “ Smallwood had spent 4 years with Crisp County before transferring to Peach County.” He was a good deputy for us and always dependable,” Hancock further lamented.

The suspect in the shooting is also recovering from injuries as he was also struck by gunfire. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is supervising the investigation. More on this developing story will be made available as it comes into the Dispatch.