Holly MatkinRound Rock, TX – Poteet Police Department (PPD) Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson died in the line of duty on June 29 when he was hit by an alleged drunk driver while directing traffic in a construction zone.
The Austin Police Department (APD) said the incident occurred in the 1170-block of North Mopac Expressway service road northbound at approximately 2:12 a.m. on June 29, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
Officer Richardson, 35, was working a secondary job directing traffic in the construction zone when 26-year-old Lindsay Smith crashed into him, KENS reported.
The injured officer was rushed to a hospital in Round Rock, where he was pronounced dead.
Smith allegedly told investigators she drank four martinis, two mixed drinks, and an “unknown quantity of shots” prior to getting behind the wheel and slamming into Officer Richardson, KXAN reported.
She was arrested on charges of intoxication assault and booked into the Travis County Jail on a $250,000 bond, KENS reported.
PPD Chief Bruce Hickman announced Officer Richardson’s death in a press release later that morning.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Richardson family,” Chief Hickman wrote. “We offer our sincerest condolence for this monumental loss.”
Officer Richardson joined the PPD in April of 2021, KENS reported.
“When tragedy strikes, faith is what makes things bearable,” Chief Hickman continued. “The Poteet Police Department will continue to be here to lean on during this significant time of need. That’s what the thin blue line signifies.”
The chief said he was thankful for the APD and the Round Rock Police Department and their “unbelievable show of love, concern, and support.”
He also praised the staff of St. David’s Round Rock Hospital who “lined the halls and street outside the hospital” as the procession honoring Officer Richardson passed by.
Officer Richardson leaves behind his wife and five children, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
RIP. Texas Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson was murdered when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic in a construction zone. He is survived by his wife and five children. #rip #hero #eow #ReserveOfficerJeffreyRichardson #PoteetPoliceDepartment pic.twitter.com/hF3fiGI6zh
— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) July 1, 2022
Our sympathies go out to the Poteet Police Department and the family and friends of Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson who was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic. He is survived by his wife and five children. #LODD #EOW pic.twitter.com/fwbxOr4TAa
— ATF HQ (@ATFHQ) July 1, 2022
.@CBP offers our deepest condolences to the Poteet Police Department on the tragic loss of Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson. Thank you, Res. Officer Richardson, for your service. #EOW pic.twitter.com/koAHLxqZgi
— CBP Central Texas (@CBPCentralTX) July 1, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Poteet Police Department Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
