CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga.,None — Channel 2 Action News has obtained the police radio recordings that captured Clayton County Deputy Rick Dalys last words before he was shot and killed during a traffic stop in July.
Clayton County Sheriff Kem Kimbrough gave Channel 2s Mark Winne the recordings, which demonstrate Daly put himself in harms way to try to get a dangerous fugitive off the streets.
Jonathan Bun, 17, is accused of fatally shooting Daly when the deputy pulled over and approached the black Honda Civic that Bun was riding in.
The Clayton County Sheriffs Office Fugitive Squad was tracking down Bun for an armed robbery and assault case from January.
The recordings indicate an undercover fugitive investigator was following a black Honda Civic that he suspected a wanted person was riding in and he called dispatch to request a marked car to make the arrest.
A uniform deputy besides Daly responded to the call, Im on Riverdale Road, you want me to come by?
Daly then joined in, Im coming up behind you. Its gonna be the car right in front of us. That black car.
Two minutes later, Daly said, Ill be out with it at Walker and East Fayetteville.
Kimbrough explains those words were Daly identifying that he has the vehicle stopped.
Those are his final recorded words, said Kimbrough.
An investigator said Daly parked his car on East Fayetteville Road and approached the black Honda Civic.
When Daly saw the passenger door sway open and close, he sped up his pace to catch Bun before he could flee, according to the investigator.
Less than 20 seconds after Dalys last radio transmission, the following words rang out: Shots fired! Shots fired! Shots fired, got an officer down! Officer down!
According to Kimbrough, there were two uniformed deputies and two plainclothes investigators that were at the scene at the time of the shooting.
One of the officers returned fire while still under fire. Another officer chased Jonathan Bun into the wood line while under fire, said Kimbrough.
An officer alerted dispatch on the suspects whereabouts, On Bigelow, Bigelow! Gonna be Asian male on Bigelow!
According to Kimbrough, the recordings reveal Daly was aware the suspect was a dangerous fugitive and should be approached with caution.
Rick Daly was familiar with our fugitive squad and its operations. He knows or he knew that our fugitive squad only tracks our most dangerous offenders, felons who are trying their best to evade arrest. He knew he was not arresting a low-level misdemeanor offender, said Kimbrough.
Kimbrough indicated he is proud of how his officers responded, All of the officers who were on scene when the shooting occurred behaved in my estimation, in exemplary fashion.
Kimbrough said everyone in the sheriffs office is still haunted by the situation.
One uniform deputy who was with Rick as he lay there bleeding still has not returned to work, said Kimbrough.
Bun faces charges of felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, all in connection with the shooting death of Daly.
Buns attorney, Lloyd Matthews, said, I just think its unfortunate for the officer and his family because from what I understand he was much beloved and respected in the community.
Matthews indicated his client will more than likely plead not guilty.
WSBTV
