Crime
US border patrol agent 44-year-old David Maland killed in Vermont south of border
One suspect was killed during the encounter, while a second suspect was injured and taken into custody.
Coventry, VT — A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot in the line of duty Monday during an incident on Interstate 91 in northern Vermont, approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border.
The agent has been identified by sources as 44-year-old David Maland, who had served with the Border Patrol for nearly a decade, joining the agency—known as the “Green Family”—in 2015.
Maland initially served in Texas before transferring to Vermont, where he was assigned to the Swanton Sector, which covers the international border across Vermont, parts of New York, and New Hampshire.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed the agent’s death in an official statement, classifying it as a “line of duty death.” B
enjamine Huffman, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expressed condolences and assured a thorough investigation into the incident.
The FBI, which is leading the investigation, stated that in addition to Agent Maland, one suspect was killed during the encounter, while a second suspect was injured and taken into custody.
Authorities confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The FBI’s Albany, New York office, along with the Vermont State Police, responded to the scene.
As a result of the shooting, a portion of Interstate 91 was temporarily closed in both directions for approximately two hours. The northbound lanes were reopened shortly after 5 p.m.
Acting DHS Secretary Huffman emphasized the dedication and sacrifices made by Border Patrol agents, stating:
“Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure. This tragedy will be swiftly investigated to ensure accountability.”
In a joint statement, Vermont lawmakers—Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint— extended their condolences to the fallen agent’s family and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Border Patrol personnel through enhanced staffing, pay, and working conditions.
The Swanton Sector, where Agent Maland was assigned, is responsible for patrolling 295 miles (475 kilometers) of the U.S.-Canada border, an area that has seen increased enforcement efforts in recent months.
Federal authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting but have assured the public that additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is urged to contact federal or local law enforcement agencies.
Crime
Coweta County Fire battalion chief James Cauthen shot and killed in Alabama, suspect William Franklin charged
UPDTE: William Randall Franklin, 33, of Chambers County, AL has been booked into the Muscogee County Jail on his release from a Hospital he’d been flown to in Columbus, GA.
He’s being held on a murder warrant issued by Chambers County Alabama Sheriff’s Office for the shooting death of CCFR Battalion Chief James “Bart” Cauthen late last night as Cauthen helped the victim of a vehicle accident.
Coweta County, GA – The Coweta County community is mourning the tragic loss of Fire Battalion Chief James Bartholomew “Bart” Cauthen, who was fatally shot while attempting to assist a motorist in Alabama.
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., when Cauthen stopped to help an individual whose vehicle had struck a deer on County Road 267 in the Stroud community, near U.S. Highway 431.
According to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, as Cauthen accompanied the driver to seek assistance from a nearby residence, the homeowner, identified as William Randall Franklin, allegedly opened fire on them without provocation.
Authorities reported that a shootout ensued, during which Cauthen was fatally wounded. The driver and Franklin also sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and discovered Cauthen deceased. The driver and Franklin were airlifted to hospitals in Columbus and LaGrange for medical treatment.
The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Franklin will face charges of murder upon his release from the hospital.
In a statement released by Coweta County Fire Rescue, the department expressed their profound grief over the loss of a dedicated leader and mentor.
“Tonight, Coweta Fire Rescue is devastated to hear of the loss of Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen. We lost one of our brothers, leaders, mentors, and family members to a senseless tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Cauthen family as they go through this difficult time. We ask that you keep this family in your thoughts and prayers,” the department shared via social media.
The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a “horrific scene” and stated that the investigation is ongoing.
At this time, it remains unclear whether any verbal exchange occurred between Cauthen, the driver, and Franklin before the gunfire erupted.
Coweta County Fire Rescue officials announced that further details regarding the investigation, as well as arrangements for Battalion Chief Cauthen’s memorial services, will be provided in the coming days.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office at (334) 864-4333.