A 48-year-old off-duty police officer from Canton struck and killed a tractor-trailer driver on Interstate 75 northbound in Marietta, then fled the scene before eventually turning himself in.

According to a 95.5 WSB report, Christopher Bradshaw, who served as a lieutenant with the Milton Police Department, now faces charges of homicide by vehicle and felony hit and run following the incident last week. Officials confirmed that Bradshaw has been fired from his position after an initial suspension.

The victim, identified as Terrell Lowdermilk from Chattanooga, had exited his big rig after it was involved in a separate collision near South Marietta Parkway. Investigators stated that Bradshaw's vehicle hit Lowdermilk in the roadway, leading to the truck driver's death at the scene.

Off-Duty Officer Involved in Fatal Crash

Bradshaw was not on duty during the crash, which occurred in Cobb County, Georgia, according to police accounts. He initially left the area without stopping, but public tips helped authorities locate his black 2020 Chevrolet Silverado truck.

The Milton Police Department, where Bradshaw had worked for 14 years, moved quickly to address the situation by placing him on suspension. Termination followed soon after as the investigation progressed with assistance from the Cobb County Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center.

Marietta police spokesman Chuck McPhilamy highlighted the role of community input in identifying the vehicle involved. This collaboration between departments and the public ensured swift progress in the case despite the suspect's initial departure.

Charges Filed in Hit-and-Run Death

Bradshaw surrendered to authorities after the crash, leading to his arrest on serious felony charges related to the fatality. The homicide by vehicle charge stems from the allegation that his actions directly caused Lowdermilk's death while the trucker was vulnerable outside his vehicle.

Lowdermilk's prior accident had left him exposed on the busy interstate, setting the stage for the tragic secondary collision. Police reports indicate no other vehicles were directly involved in the hit-and-run portion of the event.

The charges reflect the severity of fleeing a deadly scene, which officials say compounded the incident's impact on the victim's family and the community. Bradshaw's status as a law enforcement officer has drawn additional scrutiny to the case from both the public and departmental oversight.

Investigation Relies on Public Tips

Tips from witnesses played a crucial role in tracking down Bradshaw's truck, as noted by Marietta police. The Real Time Crime Center in Cobb County provided technological support to verify the vehicle's details and location.

This method of investigation underscores how modern tools and community involvement can accelerate resolutions in hit-and-run cases. Without these elements, authorities might have faced delays in connecting Bradshaw to the crash site.

Bradshaw's decision to turn himself in came after the vehicle was identified, potentially influencing the timeline of his firing. Milton Police officials emphasized that his long tenure did not exempt him from accountability in this matter.

Bradshaw Awaits Court Proceedings

Christopher Bradshaw, a 48-year-old former Milton police lieutenant from Canton, was terminated after allegedly causing a fatal hit-and-run on Interstate 75 in Marietta that killed tractor-trailer driver Terrell Lowdermilk. The incident unfolded when Lowdermilk stepped out of his rig following an earlier crash near South Marietta Parkway, and Bradshaw's off-duty vehicle struck him before fleeing.

Authorities in Cobb County charged Bradshaw with homicide by vehicle and felony hit and run, citing his departure from the scene as a key factor in the accusations. His surrender occurred after public tips and crime center assistance located his black 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, highlighting the role of community and technology in the probe.

Bradshaw, who served 14 years with the department, faces potential court dates where a judge will address the charges and any pre-trial conditions. This case adds to ongoing discussions about accountability for law enforcement officers involved in off-duty incidents, with possible further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.