Richmond County deputy killed, injured suspect charged

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Warrants have been issued for a 24-year-old man accused of killing an Augusta-area deputy inside a store on Tuesday night.

It happened at the Augusta Mart located at 1713 MLK Boulevard around 8:30 p.m. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, on patrol, spotted several individuals at the store. Cecil Ridley, 51, entered the store, following 24-year-old Alvin Theodore Hester Jr., according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Investigators said Hester approached Ridley and shot him, killing him. Ridley did not have time to return fire, investigators said.

(Douglas Police Department)

The GBI said other law enforcement officers inside the store, opened fire. Hester was able to make it out to the parking lot where he raised his guns at the other officers there. Both officers fired as Hester, striking him. He was rushed to an area hospital for treatment where he remained Wednesday evening.

The Sheriff’s Office has since filed warrants for Hester for murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Investigators said only two officers fired at Hester.

The GBI said they will turn over the results of their independent investigation of the officer-involved shooting to the Richmond County District Attorney once it is completed.

Shortly after reports of the shooting, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office changed their Facebook page's profile picture to a badge covered in a mourning band.