Cecil Ridley died after being shot while conducting a routine patrol, authorities said.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Flags flew at half-staff outside the Richmond County Sheriff's Office Wednesday in memory of an investigator killed in the line of duty.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations said Cecil Ridley was part of the sheriff's office's Narcotics Unit that was conducting a normal patrol around 8:30 p.m. outside of the Augusta Mart.
RELATED: GBI: Richmond County deputy killed, suspect in hospital
Officials said officers saw 24-year-old Alvin Hester Jr. go inside of the store. One officer approached Hester and officials said he attempted to leave the store as Investigator Cecil Ridley, 51, walked inside.
At some point, officials said Hester shot Ridley as he approached. Ridley later died from his injuries. Hester now faces murder charges in connection to the shooting.
RELATED: Sheriff's deputy shot, killed near Augusta
Dozens gathered outside the GBI office Wednesday morning to watch the police escort of investigator Ridley, as his body was taken to the funeral home.
The 51-year-old was a part of the sheriff's office family, but was also a father, a husband and a grandfather.
Sheriff Richard Roundtree told NBC affiliate WAGT the community support has been overwhelming. He took three dozen calls, including one from Governor Brian Kemp.
He said Ridley was loved by many, and always the officer you wanted on the case. In his news conference, Roundtree had tears in his eyes multiple times, describing investigator Ridley as a leader.
"He was one of our best narcotics officers," Roundtree said.
Ridley's name will be added to a tribute where multiple fallen officers have been honored. A reminder of those lives lost.
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