Orange County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch Saturday, June 12, 1999
Add to My HeroesBradley Jay Riches
Deputy Riches was shot and killed after being ambushed at a convenience store. Deputy Riches was on routine patrol when he pulled up to a 7-11 store. As soon as he pulled up, a man exited the store and opened fire on him with an AK-47 rifle. Although Deputy Riches was able to make an emergency broadcast, he did not have time to return fire or exit his vehicle before he was killed.
The suspect then fled the scene of the shooting. Another deputy recognized the murderer after viewing the store's surveillance tapes and he was arrested later in the day while trying to flee the area. The suspect had a history of arrests for drunk driving, drugs, and assaulting a police officer. The suspect was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death in December 2003.
Deputy Riches had served with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for 9 years.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 9 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; AK-47
- Offender Sentenced to death
Most Recent Reflection
View all 60 ReflectionsMy dear Brad, my best friend my sons namesake, your Purple Heart hangs on our wall, your flag on my desk, your jacket is on your namesakes back! He’s 21 now where has time gone? We were meant to revisit you after you gave us the perfect honeymoon and renew Our vows with you in Vegas but we lost you! If we could visit your memorial we would come and lay Your mums ashes to rest with you, we I’ll one day when we have the money until then my love we will keep her safe waiting to keep you all together. Love you forever Brad always have always will my hero xxx
Leanne Bowles
His closet familyHis mothers niece, his go to his best friend and cuz
August 17, 2020
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