On May 31, 2015, Deputy Bradford Lockridge responded to the residence of a suspect who had shot and killed two clerks at a local business in connection with an ongoing dispute over money the suspect was supposed to repay, having stolen merchandise from the business the prior week. Before the deputy’s arrival, the suspect had also shot and wounded his parents who lived at the residence.
When Deputy Lockridge arrived at the house, one of the victims ran outside to safety while the suspect, armed with an AR-15 assault rifle, came out into the garage and began firing at the deputy. The suspect and Deputy Lockridge were about 15 to 20 yards apart as they exchanged multiple shots.
As Deputy Lockridge approached the residence, the suspect fired at him with the assault rifle and a .45 handgun. Deputy Lockridge returned fired with his duty rifle, striking the suspect multiple times. However, the suspect was wearing a ballistic vest lined with circular weight plates, so the deputy’s shots did not completely incapacitate the suspect.
As Deputy Lockridge approached the suspect to take him into custody, the suspect raised his handgun again. Deputy Lockridge opened fired again. At the same time, the suspect shot himself with his handgun, thus committing suicide.
The actions of Deputy Lockridge demonstrate extraordinary bravery and a willingness to save the lives of others, without regard to his own personal safety.
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