GBI Investigating Line of Duty Death of Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputy

The GBI is investigating an incident that led to the death of Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputy Tyee Browne, age 26, of Macon County, GA, and an officer involved shooting.

The early investigation indicates on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at about 3:40 a.m., Crisp County Deputy Sheriff Tyee Browne went to check on a car in the middle of the roadway near the 1300 block of Highway 280 West, Cordele, GA. The car’s history came back as stolen. While checking the car, the occupant, later identified as Croshawn Cross, of Unadilla, GA, age 25, shot the deputy.  Cross took the deputy’s patrol car and sped away from the scene. Prior to leaving the scene, responding Crisp County deputies fired shots at Cross. Crisp County EMS took Deputy Browne to a local hospital where he later died. Cross led law enforcement on a pursuit through multiple Georgia counties. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office arrested Cross on I-475. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office also recovered the stolen patrol unit.

Cross has been charged with Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault (two counts), Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Carjacking, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted felon (3 counts), Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime (3 counts), & Theft by Taking (2 counts).

The GBI says they will continue to investigate Deputy Browne’s death and the officer involved shooting.  Once the investigation is done, the case file will be given to the Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

From Crisp County Sheriff’s Office:

It is with deep regret the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of an active-duty Sheriff’s Deputy.

Preliminary Information Released Officer-involved Shooting: A Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputy succumbed to injuries at Crisp Regional Hospital following an officer-involved shooting.

On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, around 3:40 A.M., a Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputy got out with a vehicle in the middle of the roadway in the 1300 Block of HWY 280 West, Cordele, Georgia. The vehicle came back stolen. After getting out with the vehicle, a Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputy was shot and critically injured. The suspect took the Deputy’s patrol car and fled the scene. Crisp County EMS transported the Deputy to Crisp Regional Hospital. The subject led law enforcement on a pursuit through multiple Georgia counties. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested the subject on I475. They also recovered the stolen patrol unit. The GBI will conduct an independent investigation.

Crisp County Sheriff’s Office

Early today, I stood behind a podium and informed you we lost one of our own. Unfortunately, words in the English dictionary do not shoulder the weight or adequately articulate this loss, but I can speak to the man he was and the legacy he will forever hold.

Deputy, son, grandson, loved one, and friend while these are all titles that describe Deputy Tyee Browne. Hero is the title we bestow upon him today. At 26 years old, this young man faced evil in protecting this community.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Deputy Browne’s family, friends, and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this profound loss. Please know that we are here for you, offering our unwavering support and assistance in any way we can.

During this period of mourning, let us remember the profound impact Deputy Browne had on our lives and continue to carry his legacy forward. He will forever remain in our hearts and minds, inspiring us to serve our community with the same dedication, integrity, and compassion.

Together, we can celebrate his life and remember his remarkable impact on us all. Deputy Browne started with Crisp County Sheriff’s Office in February of 2022 as a Detention Officer. In September of 2022, he transferred to the Uniform Patrol Division after graduating from basic mandate.