Deputy Sheriff Ricky Leon Kinchen

Ricky Leon Kinchen

Deputy Sheriff Ricky Kinchen died from gunshot wounds sustained the previous night while he and another deputy were attempting to serve a warrant in the 1100 block of Oak Street.

He and his partner went to the suspect's workplace to serve the warrant. After failing to locate anyone at the business, they drove around the block and located a vehicle. While approaching the vehicle, the deputies told an individual standing next to it to show them his hands. At that time, the suspect responded by saying "Here they are," and opened fire with a .223 caliber rifle, striking both deputies several times. Deputy Kinchen was struck in the abdomen and leg and was transported to a local hospital, where he died the next day. Deputy Kinchen was wearing a vest, however, the round struck him in an area not protected by the vest.

The second deputy was struck several times and was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. The wanted subject was originally wanted for several charges, including impersonating a police officer. The man was a former member of the Black Panthers, a radical, militant group, with a long criminal record, including inciting a riot. He fled the scene after the shooting but was arrested several days later in Alabama. The deputies were unaware of the man's background.

On March 9th, 2002, the subject, 57, was found guilty of 13 charges, including the murder of a police officer, in connection with Deputy Kinchen's murder. On March 13th, 2002, he was sentenced to life without parole. In April of 2020 the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear his appeal.

Deputy Kinchen had served with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office for nine years. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

The Black Panthers is a racist, radical group that professed the murders of law enforcement officers. Members and former members of the group were responsible for the murders of at least 15 law enforcement officers and the wounding of dozens more across the nation.