Pubdate: Thu, 12 Jul 2001
Source: Augusta Chronicle, The (GA)
Copyright: 2001 The Augusta Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.augustachronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/31
Note: Does not publishing letters from outside of the immediate Georgia and 
South Carolina circulation area

SHERIFF'S DEPUTY WOUNDED IN DRUG RAID

A Richmond County sheriff's deputy was shot early today during a drug raid 
at a home near North Leg Shopping Center.

Investigator James Tredore, 31, was in good condition at the Medical 
College of Georgia Hospital shock trauma unit this morning. His life was 
saved by the bullet-proof vest that stopped a .357 Magnum bullet, said 
Richmond County Sheriff Ronnie Strength.

Investigator Tredore underwent exploratory surgery early today to determine 
the extent of injuries to internal organs caused by the force of the 
bullet,which rammed part of the vest into his lower right abdomen.

Charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and misdemeanor 
possession of marijuana is Dennis Lee Richardson, 36, of the 1700 block of 
Fairwood Drive. Police also arrested Samuel Vincent Hodge, 25, of the same 
address, and charged him with trafficking in cocaine and marijuana 
possession, according to the sheriff.

Police said that Mr. Richardson shot Investigator Tredore when the officer 
entered the residence at 1:14 a.m. and forced open the door of a locked 
bedroom. After the investigator was wounded, Investigator Mike Williamson 
entered and Investigator Tredore pointed to the closet where Mr. Richardson 
was hiding, Sheriff Strength said.

Investigator Williamson ordered Mr. Richardson to drop his weapon, and when 
he did not the officer fired one shot from his .40-caliber Glock, which 
struck the wall. Mr. Richardson then threw his weapon to the floor and 
surrendered, the sheriff said.

Officers searched the residence and seized about 8 ounces of powder 
cocaine, a small amount of marijuana and a .40 caliber Glock semi-automatic 
handgun, they said.

Two other people in the house were questioned and released. They are 
Johnnie Lee Smallwood, 24, who also lives at the Fairwood Drive residence, 
and his 16-year-old girlfriend, who will be charged with disorderly conduct 
and turned over to juvenile authorities, Sheriff Strength said.

Narcotics officers had suspected illegal drug activity at the house and had 
been watching it for quite a while before today's raid, Sheriff Strength said.

Mr. Richardson was arrested in April and charged with shoplifting and 
misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Mr. Hodge has been in the Richmond County Jail more than a dozen times 
during the past six years, charged with various misdemeanors. He was 
arrested in January and charged with reckless conduct.
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