Sheriff Jay Vernon Chastain, Sr.

Sheriff Jay Vernon Chastain, Sr.

Towns County Sheriff's Office, Georgia

End of Watch Sunday, December 8, 1974

Add to My Heroes

Jay Vernon Chastain, Sr.

Sheriff Jay Chastain was shot and killed at approximately 2:10 am during a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 288 in Hiawassee, Georgia.

As one of his deputies arrested the driver of the vehicle for DWI and placed him in the cruiser, Sheriff Chastain approached the passenger of the vehicle. The man opened fire with a .38 caliber revolver, striking Sheriff Chastain in the chest.

The subject was shot and killed following a standoff with deputies from the Towns County Sheriff's Office and Union County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Chastain had served with the Towns County Sheriff's Office for six years. He was survived by his wife and 5-year-old son.

Bio

  • Age 47
  • Tour 6 years
  • Badge S907A

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Shot and killed

traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

View all 13 Reflections

Sheriff Chastain,
Thank you for all of your service and sacrifices. I would also like to say Thank you to your family for their service and sacrifices. The many days and nights when you were working to keep the peace. Thank you to your staff for their service and sacrifices and that of your friends who miss you considerably.
Rest in peace sir.
With deepest respect.

Corporal Jesse Cook (Retired)
Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division

October 28, 2020

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.