Kentucky Highway Patrol, Kentucky
End of Watch: Saturday, October 7, 1944
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 1 month, 2 weeks
Badge Number: 168
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 7, 1944
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Patrolman Vadas Richardson was shot and killed when he stopped to render aid to a vehicle parked on the side of Highway 25 near London, Kentucky.
As he approached the vehicle one of the occupants opened fire, striking him in the chest.
Patrolman Richardson's partner and two deputies who had pulled up just before the shooting started returned fire. One of the deputies was also wounded. The subject, who was a convicted murderer on parole, was able to flee but committed suicide the following morning at his sister's home. Two other men were arrested and charged in connection with the murder.
Patrolman Richardson was a WWII veteran and had served with the Kentucky Highway Patrol for only six weeks. He was survived by his wife, mother, two sisters, and three brothers.