Sergeant James E. Richardson Jr.
Atlanta Police Department
Georgia
End of Watch: Saturday, July 19, 1980

Biographical Info
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Saturday, July 19, 1980
Weapon Used: Handgun; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life imprisonment

Sergeant Richardson was shot and killed during a traffic stop at McDaniel and Peters Streets.

Sergeant Richardson, while undercover driving an unmarked car, had stopped the vehicle after witnessing the two occupants harassing a female gas station attendant.

After stopping the vehicle he spoke to the driver who had gotten out and as he returned to his car to run his license, the passenger got out and shot him. This was witnessed by the patrons of a restaurant across the street from where the stop occurred.

The vehicle they were driving was stolen from a couple they had abducted and robbed. The couple escaped, but not before being fired upon.

The shooter was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Sergeant Richardson was survived by his wife and daughter.