Terrible Line-of-Duty Loss in Aiken, S.C., With Another Wounded

The Augusta Chronicle reported Tuesday the terrible loss of Master Public Safety Police Officer Scotty Richardson, 33, as he and fellow Public Safety Officer Travis Griffin conducted a traffic stop on December 20, 2011. 

Immediately after the stop, one occupant of the car opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Richardson and striking Officer Griffin in the chest.  Griffin’s bullet-proof vest saved his life, stopping the bullet that struck the vest.

These details and more, as well as a story written by Mike Rosier, a childhood friend of Officer Richardson, can be read at this story link at honoringheroes.com website. 

The Police Department released this initial statement:

Release from the Police Department regarding

Master Public Safety Officer Scotty Richardson

It is with profound sadness I must report to the Citizens of Aiken, Master Public Safety Officer Scotty Richardson 33 has succumbed to the wounds he received when shot during a traffic stop in the City of Aiken on 12/20/2011 approximately 08:28P.M.. Master PSO Richardson was married and had three young children. Master PSO Richardson was a graduate of South Aiken High and the University of South Carolina Aiken. Master PSO Richardson began his career with Aiken Public Safety on 09/27/1999 as a Cadet and worked his way to a Driver Operator position and then became a Public Safety Officer on 02/14/2005. Master PSO Richardson was a beloved husband and proud father. His constant smile was a pleasant sight at this office and to all those who knew him.

The State Law Enforcement Division has taken over the investigation into the shooting incident as standard protocol with an officer involved shooting.

A number of Law Enforcement Agencies have assisted us while we deal with our loss. We are grateful for the help from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, North Augusta Public Safety, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the Aiken County Solicitors Office.

Also shot during the incident was Public Safety Officer Travis Griffin 28. Officer Griffin was shot in the chest and his bulletproof vest saved his life. Officer Griffin was treated and released late Tuesday evening and is with his family. Officer Griffin was also a University of South Carolina Aiken graduate and was hired by Aiken Public Safety on 11/09/2009.

The department will send another press release in Wednesday afternoon around 2P.M. with more details on MPSO Richardson’s career and accomplishments along with any funeral details we may have at the time of our release.

-- Lt. David Turno

Condolences to all of Officer Richardson’s Family, especially his beloved wife, Amelyn Sorell Richardson, his three sons, Zander, Chase and Maddox, his extended Aiken family, the Police family of Officer Richardson and in particular to Officer Griffin.