Honoring The Fallen: OCSD Remembers Deputy Bradley Riches

LAKE FOREST, CA — On June 12, 1999 Orange County Sheriff's Department Deputy Brad Riches was shot by a man carrying an AK-47 in Lake Forest.

At the time, Riches was on routine patrol near a convenience store, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

"Today we remember a fallen hero, Deputy Bradley Riches. On June 12, 1999, Deputy Riches was on patrol in Lake Forest when a man carrying an AK-47 opened fire on him. Deputy Riches' death left the department and community speechless, but his legacy will always be remembered," an Orange County Spokesperson said.

According to then Sheriff Mike Carona, the attack was "sudden and unprovoked" and meant not to rob the 7-Eleven where the incident occurred, but to use the weapon against police. He was the first sheriff since 1958 to be shot while on patrol.

Steven Conners, a Lake Forest student who interviewed Riches for a school assignment, quoted the Deputy as saying, "you just have to be willing to do the job and risk your life every day."

Riches ended his watch on June 12, 1999.

OCSD Photo