Tragic news from over night... a Richmond County Deputy- Cecil Ridley was killed in the line of duty. Investigator Ridley, as part of the Narcotics Unit, was conducting a routine patrol near MLK Boulevard when they came upon a group of people outside Augusta Mart.
The suspect is 24-year-old Alvin Theodore Hester, Jr. He was walking into the Augusta Mart when a deputy approached him. As Hester was leaving the store, Ridley was walking inside and that's when Hester shot him. After the shot was fired, Hester ran into the parking lot where he was then shot by two deputies.
Hester is currently in the hospital undergoing treatment for his injuries and the GBI is continuing their investigation of this tragic event.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ridley family. He leaves behind his wife, children, and young grandchildren.
(WRDW)