Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed says he’s praying for everyone involved in the recent crime spree of alleged cop shooter and kidnapper Avery Richard.
Sheriff Speed took to social media to reflect on the tragic string of events that began unfolding in his jurisdiction on Wednesday. That’s when authorities say Richard robbed the Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, stole a car, shot a deputy then kidnapped a woman.
FBI agents in Atlanta were attempting to arrest Richard on Friday when they say he opened fire them. An FBI agent was shot and wounded. Richard was killed by return fire.
READ: Banks County shooting, kidnapping suspect killed in shootout with FBI
In a thoughtful post, Sheriff Speed talks about visiting the FBI agent who was shot and reflects on the “multiple losers” over the course of the past several days.
“Just returned from Atl visiting the FBI Agent who was wounded while attempting to serve the arrest warrants for Banks and Jackson Counties today. I expressed our gratitude and support for this protector of the peace,” Sheriff Speed writes.
His post goes on to say, “As I reflected on the events of the past three days, I realized there were multiple losers in the events that had transpired. The victims of the armed robberies and kidnappings who have suffered both physical and mental pain and anguish. The FBI Agent and the Banks County Deputy which were both shot and will suffer from both physical and mental anguish. The offender who lost his life due to poor choices and decisions, along with his family members and friends who loved him.”
As he closes with a tribute to law enforcement, Speed again empathetically acknowledges Richard’s family.
“Tonight I will pray for all the people who lost in this painful situation. I will thank God that all the men and women who stand on that Thin Blue Line went home to fight another day, though battered and bruised, they carry on. But I will also remember those who lost a loved one, who somehow lost their way.”
