Patrolman Richey O'Brian Finch
Forest Acres Police Department
South Carolina

End of Watch: Thursday, February 21, 1974
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Patrolman Finch was shot and killed during a traffic stop. 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.

The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life plus 99 years.

 
Photograph: Patrolman Richey O'Brian Finch

Patch image: Forest Acres Police Department, South Carolina

Visit Patrolman Finch's memorial at www.ODMP.org