Wilmington Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch: Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 427
Cause of Death: Automobile crash
Date of Incident: February 18, 2009
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Officer Richard Matthews was killed in an automobile accident while responding to backup another officer. His patrol car struck a tree after he swerved to avoid a box in the roadway on Shipyard Boulevard.
He was transported to New Hanover Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Officer Matthews had served with the Wilmington Police Department for 2 years and had previously served with the New York City Police Department for 3 years. He is survived by his wife, parents, sister, and brother.