A Rome GA shooting on Friday afternoon ended with a 61-year-old man dead after gunfire erupted during a traffic stop in Rome, Georgia.
The incident happened around noon on September 11, 2026, in the 200 block of South Broad Street Southwest. According to preliminary information released by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, a Rome police officer had stopped a pickup truck when the driver got out and confronted the officer.
The man was later identified as Jeron Bruce Bradford, 61, of Rome.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
What Happened in the Rome GA Shooting?
According to preliminary information from the GBI, the Rome police officer conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck at about noon Friday.
Bradford allegedly exited the vehicle and confronted the officer.
The officer gave Bradford verbal commands, but investigators said he refused to comply. Bradford then allegedly pulled a firearm from his pants and fired at the officer.
The officer returned fire, striking Bradford.
Bradford was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. No police officers were injured during the confrontation.
Police Shooting Prompted Heavy Emergency Response
The shooting brought a significant law enforcement presence to the area around South Broad Street, Etowah Terrace and Myrtle Street.
South Broad Street was temporarily closed while investigators worked at the scene. The road was later reopened.
The incident also prompted a precautionary lockdown at Anna K. Davie Elementary School, which is located less than a mile from the shooting scene.
School officials said students and employees were safe, and the lockdown was later lifted.
Rome GA Shooting Investigation
Because a Rome police officer was involved in the shooting, the Rome Police Department requested that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation take over the investigation.
The GBI said the case remains active and ongoing.
Investigators are expected to examine evidence from the scene, conduct interviews and review the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop and exchange of gunfire.
An autopsy will also be performed after Bradford’s body is transferred to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office.
Rome GA Shooting Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 200 block of South Broad Street Southwest, Rome, Georgia |
| Date | September 11, 2026 |
| Approximate time | 12:00 p.m. |
| Deceased | Jeron Bruce Bradford |
| Age | 61 |
| Incident type | Officer-involved shooting |
| Initial incident | Traffic stop |
| Police agency | Rome Police Department |
| Investigating agency | Georgia Bureau of Investigation |
| Officer injuries | None reported |
| Cause of death | Gunshot injuries |
| Investigation status | Active and ongoing |
What Happens Next in the Rome Shooting Investigation?
The GBI will conduct an independent review of the shooting before sending its completed case file to the Floyd County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Authorities have not released every detail surrounding the encounter, including the reason for the original traffic stop and the total number of shots fired.
Those details may become clearer as the investigation progresses.
For now, officials have confirmed that Bradford died following the exchange of gunfire and that no police officers were injured.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Disclaimer
This article is based on preliminary information released following the September 11, 2026 officer-involved shooting in Rome, Georgia. The GBI investigation is ongoing, and additional facts may emerge as investigators complete their work. Allegations regarding Bradford’s actions are presented as preliminary investigative information and should not be treated as a final determination until the investigation is complete.