A high-ranking, award-winning cop from Georgia apparently thought he might get away with killing a Black man in a hit-and-run crash on an interstate final week — fleeing the scene after allegedly hanging and killing Terrell Lowdermilk, who was standing on the facet of the highway exchanging data with one other driver after a minor fender bender.
However Milton Police Lt. Christopher Bradshaw ended up arrested two days later after Marietta Police Division tracked him down.
Bradshaw was additionally fired from the Milton Police Division on Monday, ending a 14-year profession the place he was celebrated on the division’s Fb web page as a top-notch investigator over time; fixing circumstances, successful awards and incomes promotions.
However now the 48-year-old former cop is dealing with felony expenses of murder by car and hit-and-run leading to severe harm or dying and stays in jail as of this writing with no bond, based on the Cobb County Sheriff’s Workplace web site.
Bradshaw was off-duty on the time of the crash and was maybe beneath the affect, however that will likely be practically inconceivable to show since he was arrested two days later.
However the expenses he’s dealing with can ship him to jail for as much as 15 years if convicted, based on Georgia state legislation.
The incident befell at about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 13 whereas Lowdermilk, a 36-year-old industrial truck driver, was exchanging insurance coverage data with one other tractor trailer driver on an exit ramp of Interstate 75 after a minor fender fender, native media reported.
The car that struck Lowdermilk was recognized as a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado that are widespread vehicles in Georgia.
Nonetheless, investigators related Bradshaw to the crash by particles from his truck that carried traceable serial numbers, based on Fox 5 Atlanta.
Additionally enjoying a task in his arrest had been site visitors digicam footage, witness interviews and the Cobb County Police Division’s Actual Time Crime Middle, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
“Our deepest condolences exit to the household and family members of the sufferer throughout this tough time,” the Milton Police Division stated in a press release to native media.
“Whereas we can’t present additional remark as a result of ongoing investigation being led by the Marietta Police Division, we stay dedicated to transparency, accountability, and sustaining the belief of our neighborhood.”
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Household Response
Lowdermilk’s dying has left his household devastated who’ve launched a GoFundMe to boost cash for funeral bills and to assist his mom, Cindy Hayes, “by this unimaginable loss.”
The Go Fund Me was launched by Lowdermilk’s cousin, Olivia Harris, who described her cousin as an bold man devoted to his job and his household, who reside in Tennessee.
Terrell had a uncommon present; he might gentle up any room simply by strolling into it. His heat, infectious snort might soften even the sternest face, and his presence made everybody really feel relaxed. He was greater than only a good man; he was a son, a brother, a cousin, and a buddy whose love and loyalty ran deep.
A proud younger Black man, Terrell believed in honoring the previous whereas preserving his eyes firmly on the long run. He labored tirelessly, usually clocking over 40 hours every week, not for materials achieve, however to meet a dream: retiring his mom and constructing a greater life for each of them. His dedication got here from witnessing the energy of his mother, Cindy Hayes, who gave every part she had to supply for him and his brother, Calvin Lowdermilk.
Lowdermilk’s father, Terence Lowdermilk, was outraged when he discovered the person who allegedly killed his son was a police officer.
“That’s very disturbing, you recognize? … He violated his oath. What sort of instance does that make to the general public?” Terence Lowdermilk in an interview with WSB-TV.
“If you grow to be a police officer, you are taking an oath to guard and serve your neighborhood. Officers are held to the next normal, whether or not on or off responsibility, and the general public entrusts them with their lives.”
His mom additionally expressed the identical sentiments.
“Our household is deeply saddened and grieving the lack of Terrell, whose life was stolen in such a mindless act—one dedicated by the very establishment meant to guard him,” Cindy Hayes instructed WSB-TV.
The household’s Go Fund Me has up to now raised $4,660, with a purpose of elevating $24,000.
Atlanta Black Star has reached out to his household for extra particulars however they haven’t but responded.
