Deputy Sheriff Richard Rudy Raczkoski, Indian River County Sheriff's Department, Florida

Deputy Sheriff Richard Rudy Raczkoski

Indian River County Sheriff's Department, Florida

End of Watch Tuesday, September 23, 1986

Richard Rudy Raczkoski

Deputy Raczkoski was shot and killed at 3 a.m. while checking on a suspicious person using a pay phone in front of a closed convenience store at 8200 20th Street in Vero Beach.

While waiting for a cab to pick the suspect up, a handgun fell from his pants. The suspect picked up the handgun and shot Deputy Raczkoski five times in the back as the deputy attempted to take cover behind his patrol car.

The suspect was apprehended in Albany two days later. An ex-convict who had been out of prison for five months, the suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.

Bio

Age 29
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .380 caliber
Offender Sentenced to death

suspicious person

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 23 Reflections

Raz,
Even though we have never met, I know who you are and will always remember the sacrifice that was made in the early hours of Sept. 23, 1986. I am thankful for your dedication to protect and serve our community. I know that GOD has wrapped his arms around your family and friends and provided them with the love and grace he has to make your loss easier. While you are gone, you are not forgotten!

Paul Button
Former Deputy Sheriff/Public Safety Dispatcher

September 24, 2018