Captain Justin Bedwell, 48, a nearly 20-year veteran of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, was shot during a violent multi-county incident that began on Saturday, February 27, 2021. Deputies in Seminole County tried to stop a white Chevrolet pickup for reckless driving; the occupants, identified as brothers Troy Arthur Phillips, 40, and Brad Phillips, 41, refused to stop and led officers on a high-speed pursuit while firing from their vehicle. The chase crossed into Decatur County, where local deputies including Lieutenant Bedwell joined the effort.

The brothers attempted a home invasion by firing through a door at a private residence; the homeowner returned fire, and the suspects fled. As Bedwell arrived to assist, one of the brothers fired a .30-caliber rifle at his patrol car, striking the officer. The truck later crashed in a wooded area; Brad Phillips was taken into custody at the crash scene, while Troy Phillips initially escaped. Bedwell was airlifted to a Tallahassee hospital in critical condition and died on Monday, March 1, 2021. He was posthumously promoted to Captain.

Who knew Captain Bedwell or has information about the events of February 27, 2021?