Patrolman Richey O'Brian Finch

Patrolman Richey O'Brian Finch

Forest Acres Police Department, South Carolina

End of Watch Thursday, February 21, 1974

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Richey O'Brian Finch

Patrolman Richey Finch was shot and killed during a traffic stop at 1:30 a.m. on Forest Drive near Gamewell Drive.

During the stop, one of the occupants ran to the patrol car and opened fire, killing Patrolman Finch. The three subjects in the vehicle then fled and began to hitchhike on I-20.

Deputy Sheriff Ernest Potter, of the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, and his partner stopped the suspects several hours later when they observed them hitchhiking. As the deputies stepped out of their patrol car, one of the men opened fire, killing Deputy Potter and wounding his partner.

One suspect surrendered to the Richland County Sheriff's Department and charged in connection with the shootings. One week later a second suspect surrendered to officers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, two weeks later. He was charged with the murder of Patrolman Finch, Deputy Potter, and the attempted murder of Deputy Potter's partner. The third suspect surrendered to Columbia Police Department officers three weeks after the shootings.

On June 17, 1975, the older suspect was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison plus 99 years. The other two were convicted of being accessories to murder and sentenced to 10 years each.

Patrolman Finch was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Forest Acres Police Department for over one year. He was survived by his wife, parents, sister, and two brothers.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 1 year, 5 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

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Patrolman Finch,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

February 21, 2024

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