Cairo Police Department identifies officer who died while on-duty

Update at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 30:

The Cairo Police Department has released the following statement about Master Patrol Office Clarence “CJ” Williams:

“Master Patrol Officer Clarence " J " Williams passed away on-duty last Saturday, January 28′, 2023, while serving his community and doing the profession he so loved.

CJ was the type of person who genuinely cared about making a difference in our community and always approached his duties in that respect. His interest in our youth and his desire to become an officer in the city he grew up in is what stood out the most and is one of the reasons why he became a member of the department.

Anyone who was around him and saw him smile, knew just how infectious it was. It would not take you long, and you would quickly find yourself smiling with him as well, no matter how bad of a mood you may have found yourself in.

I, along with every individual here at the department, will miss him dearly and all our lives are a little less full without his presence.

I ask that we continue to keep CJ, his loved ones, and our department in your prayers during this difficult time.” - Chief Giovannie Santos

GRADY COUNTY, Ga. (WCTV) - The Cairo Police Department has identified the officer who died Saturday during a foot chase as Master Patrol Officer Clarence “CJ” Williams.

According to CPD, Williams joined the department in 2020.

This is a developing story. Stay with WCTV as we continue to learn more information.

Original Story:

GRADY COUNTY, Ga. (WCTV) - The Cairo Police Department has confirmed that an officer is dead following a foot pursuit on Saturday afternoon.

A Grady County deputy initiated a traffic stop in the area of 10th Street and Robinson Avenue, according to investigators. The Cairo Police officer, who has not been identified as of Saturday evening, came to assist. The traffic stop turned into a foot pursuit and the Cairo Police officer had a medical episode on the scene and passed away.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigations was investigating the incident. Officials said the rumors alleging that an officer was shot were false.

This is a developing story. Stay with WCTV as we continue to learn more information.

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