UPDATE: On Friday, November 22, 2019, Deonquez Reid, 18, of Augusta, was arrested without incident at the Augusta Mart, 1713 MLK Jr. Blvd., Augusta, GA by GBI Agents and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Investigators. Reid is charged with Tampering with Evidence (Felony) and is currently being held at the Richmond County Jail.  

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UPDATE: Richmond County, GA (November 20, 2019) - The GBI has secured the following warrants for Hester from the Richmond County Superior Court:

  • Murder
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
     
    All warrants have been filed with the Sheriff’s Office.

Richmond County, GA (November 20, 2019) – On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an officer involved shooting.

Preliminary information indicates that last night around 8:30 pm, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit was conducting routine patrol in the area of 1713 MLK Boulevard, Augusta, GA.  Officers encountered several individuals outside of the Augusta Mart.  One individual, identified as Alvin Theodore Hester Jr., age 24, went inside of the store.  One officer approached him inside, and Hester attempted to exit the store as Investigator Cecil Ridley, age 51, was entering the store. As Hester approached Ridley, Hester shot Ridley.  The other officer returned fire inside the store.  Hester makes his way to the parking lot where he encounters another officer and raises his gun.  Both officers fire at Hester, striking him.  Officers make contact with Hester and he is taken to the hospital for treatment.  He remains in the hospital undergoing treatment. 

A total of two officers fired at Hester.  Investigator Ridley was unable to return fire and died as a result of his injuries.  Charges against Hester are forthcoming. 

The GBI will continue its independent investigation. Once complete, it will be turned over to the Richmond County District Attorney for review. 

Contact

Special Agent in Charge Pat Morgan

[email protected]