Hanover Count, Va - In a chilling brush with danger, Richard, a reserve part-time deputy, narrowly avoided becoming a victim of the Beltway Snipers, exiting a restaurant just moments before another person was shot. Richard, who works without pay, and his fellow deputies went to great lengths to save lives and uphold the law during this harrowing time.
Richard, also a full-time college professor, shares his gripping experiences during the Beltway sniper attacks, delving into the dual roles he balanced and the critical challenges he faced on duty.
In October 2002, a series of coordinated shootings, known as the Beltway sniper attacks, terrorized the Washington metropolitan area. These attacks, spanning from February to October 2002, affected the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
On October 19, Jeffrey Hopper was shot near the Ponderosa Steakhouse in Ashland, Virginia. His wife’s quick call for help and the prompt response from passersby and authorities saved his life. A four-page letter from the sniper, found nearby, demanded $10 million and threatened children's safety. Richard had been in the restaurant and left just moments before Jeffrey Hopper was shot.
Hanover County, part of the Greater Richmond Region, is located in the western Tidewater region of Virginia. Created on November 26, 1719, from the area of New Kent County called St. Peter's Parish, it was named for the Electorate of Hanover in Germany, as King George I of Great Britain was Elector of Hanover at the time. The county was developed by planters moving west from the Virginia tidewater, where soils had been exhausted by tobacco monoculture. As of the 2020 census, the population was 109,979.
Richard discusses his role in law enforcement, including:
Use of Force: The critical decisions and actions taken by him and other deputies.
DUI Enforcement: The legal BAC level in Virginia and the process of handling DUI charges.
Domestic Disturbance: Approaches to handling domestic violence calls.
Richard also recounts experiences from his law enforcement career, highlighting life-saving encounters with drunk drivers. In one incident, during a cold winter night, Richard responded to a traffic accident and found the car empty. After searching a nearby wooded area, he discovered the driver passed out in the cold. Richard believes the driver would have died from exposure if not found.
When not serving as a deputy sheriff, Richard is a college professor specializing in Environmental Sciences. He has authored numerous books, including "The Cicada Olympics: Engaging Kids in Live Insect Activities."
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