Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
End of Watch Tuesday, January 8, 2002
Add to My HeroesDyke "A. J." Coursen
Corporal A.J. Coursen and Lance Corporal Dana Tate were shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call on Riley Road, in Burton, at approximately 4:00 pm.
A female had called the sheriff's office and complained about her and her young child being held against their will by her boyfriend. While the deputies were investigating, they were shot by the boyfriend, who was armed with a semi-automatic rifle and was hiding inside a bedroom closet.
Deputy Coursen was killed, but Deputy Tate was able to shoot and wound the suspect before he died.
The suspect was later taken into custody after a search. The man was sentenced to death in 2003.
Corporal Coursen had served with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Department for one year and had previously served with the LaGrange Police Department (Ohio). He is survived by his wife, son, and stepdaughter.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 12 years
- Badge Alpha 35
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; SKS
- Offender Sentenced to death
Most Recent Reflection
View all 242 ReflectionsCleveland honored one of their officers, who gave his life as you did, today. Couldn't help but think of you, the church and your service as I watched the events in Cleveland. You are not forgotten. I think of you often.
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