Investigator Richard E. Williams

Investigator Richard E. Williams | Atlanta Police Department, Georgia Investigator Richard E. Williams | Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
Investigator Richard E. Williams | Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
Investigator Richard E. Williams | Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
Investigator Richard E. Williams

Atlanta Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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Richard E. Williams

Investigator Richard Williams succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained on January 28th, 1987, after arresting three subjects for trespassing and disrupting classes at Booker T. Washington High School.

He had searched and handcuffed the 19-year-old subject but did not search or handcuff either of the juveniles. As he transported the three to police headquarters, one of the juveniles produced a handgun and shot him in the back and neck, paralyzing him from the chest down.

Although confined to a wheelchair, he was able to return to limited duty and remained active with the police department as his health deteriorated. He died as a result of complications from the original wounds several days before he was scheduled to retire.

Investigator Williams had served with the Atlanta Police Department for 37 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

  • Age 62
  • Tour 37 years
  • Badge 3338

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Wednesday, January 28, 1987
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Not available

juvenile offender, arrest

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 12, 2024

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