By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Monday, November 21, 2016, US Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) issued a statement regarding the passing of Deputy US Marshall Commander Patrick Carothers.
Sen. Sessions said, “I am saddened by the tragic news that Deputy Commander Patrick Carothers, US Marshall’s Service, was killed in Georgia while trying to arrest a man who was wanted on charges including the attempted murder of police officers. Deputy Commander Carothers was a 26-year veteran of the US Marshall’s Service, and left behind his wife and five children. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and to his fellow law enforcement officers as they mourn this terrible loss.”
Sen. Sessions said, “America’s law enforcement officers, like Deputy Commander Carothers and the brave men and women with whom he served, are often underappreciated for the sacrifices they make. They put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and their devotion to the rule of law secures our rights and enables the American people to live in freedom. Our communities must stand together in support of our law enforcement officers as they selflessly perform this vital duty, and we mourn together today.”
US Deputy Marshall Patrick Carothers was gunned down while attempting to arrest a violent suspect, Dontrell Montese Carter, age 25. Carter was wanted for attempted murder of law enforcement officers, domestic violence, unlawful discharge of a weapon, and for evading authorities. In September Carter fired into a family members home, led police on a high speed chase, and eventually fired at police officers before escaping capture. A $7,500 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.
US Deputy Commander Patrick Carothers and his team tracked Carter to a single wide trailer in Long County, Georgia. As officers breached the trailer, Carothers was the first Marshall through the door. Carter opened fire on them, striking Carothers several times. Carothers team then shot and killed Carter. Carothers died his injuries at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah.
US Marshall’s Service Deputy Director David Harlow said in a statement: “The fugitive who killed Deputy Commander Carothers was extremely dangerous, wanted for trying to kill law enforcement officers and deliberately evading authorities. Pat is a hero and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and five children.”
Sen. Jeff Sessions has been nominated to be President Donald J. Trump’s (R) Attorney General. The US Marshall’s Service is part of the US Department of Justice which would be headed by Sessions if he is confirmed by the US Senate.
