Forest Acres Police Department, South Carolina
End of Watch Thursday, February 21, 1974
Add to My HeroesRichey O'Brian Finch
Patrolman Richey Finch was shot and killed during a traffic stop at 1:30 a.m. on Interstate 20 near State Highway 321. During the stop, one of the occupants ran to the patrol car and opened fire, killing Patrolman Finch. After the shooting, the three suspects fled and began to hitchhike on I-20.
Deputy Ernest Potter and his partner of the Kershaw County Sheriff's Department stopped the suspects several hours later when they observed them hitchhiking. As the deputies stepped out of their patrol car, one of the men opened fire, killing Deputy Potter and wounding his partner.
One suspect, 19, turned himself in to officers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, two weeks later. He was charged with the murder of Patrolman Finch, Deputy Potter, and the attempted murder of Deputy Potter's partner. A week earlier, another suspect, 19, turned himself in to the Richland County Sheriff's Department. He was charged with the shootings of the three officers. The third suspect, 24, surrendered to Columbia officers three weeks after the shootings.
On June 17, 1975, the older suspect was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life plus 99 years. As of 2020, he was in prison. The other two were convicted of accessory to murder and sentenced to 10 years each.
Patrolman Finch was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Forest Acres Police Department for over one year. He was survived by his wife, parents, sister, and two brothers.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 1 year, 5 months
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsPatrolman Finch,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
February 21, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Investigator John Hampton Coddou
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Lieutenant Michael Hoosock
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024