RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. — The Richmond County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of one of their investigators killed by a suspect who reportedly shot him inside of a store on Tuesday evening.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations said it happened around 8:30 p.m. outside of the Augusta Mart.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said its Narcotics Unit was conducting a normal patrol in the area when they saw several people outside of the store.
Officials said officers saw 24-year-old Alvin Hester Jr. go inside of the store. An officer approached Hester and officials said he attempted to leave the store as Investigator Cecil Ridley, 51, walked inside.
At some point, officials said Hester shot Ridley as he approached. Ridley later died from his injuries.
Officers then returned fire inside of the store, according to the press release. Hester was able to make his way to the parking lot where authorities said he encountered two officers with his gun raised. Both officers shot Hester and he was taken to a local hospital to be treated.
It's not yet known why the officer originally approached Hester.
He now faces several charges, including murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
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