Officer George Archer Richards

George Archer Richards

Officer George Richards was shot and killed during a confrontation after stopping a man for making an illegal U-turn and for parking illegally in front of a cafe on Main Street.

The offense occurred in front of a cafe owned by the man's brother. The man's brother came out of the store as he argued with Officer Richards and shot the officer eight times. The suspect then surrendered to the county sheriff.

On October 14, 1936, the cafe owner was convicted of the murder and sentenced to 99 years. He said he acted in self-defense but refused to say what happened. His trial was reversed and remanded and a new trial was ordered with a change of venue. On February 17, 1937, he was convicted of murder without malice and sentenced to three years in prison.

Officer Richards had been with the agency for 14 years and was survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, and nine siblings.