CAIRO — Former Cairo police chief Keith Sandefur died Thursday in an apparent shooting incident, according to Grady County Sheriff Harry Young.

An emergency dispatch at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday identified a shooting victim at the city firing range on Wight Road who was receiving CPR. Some time later, Young learned the victim was Sandefur.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the incident, informed Young that Sandefur had died.

“I was just shocked that it was Keith,” Young said. “He’s my dear friend. I’m very upset about it.”

Young said Sandefur enjoyed shooting at the firing range, though he was unsure why the former chief was at the range, if he was alone or if he was with others.

It is unclear if the incident was accidental or intentional. It is also unknown if the gunshot was self-inflicted.

Sandefur, who had been police chief since 1995, resigned his position Dec. 3 following his arrest on two counts of felony theft by conversion. He was set to retire from the police department at the end of the month.

GBI said Sandefur purchased property and charged the expenses to the City of Cairo. GBI said the property, which has since been recovered, was then given to civilian associates.

Prior to his resignation, Sandefur had been employed with the city police department since 1980.