the Bulletin May 2025

D uring the early morning hours of June 12, 1999, Deputy Bradley Riches was ambushed and murdered. He was on routine patrol in the city of Lake Forest when he drove into the parking lot of a convenience store. Without warning or provocation, a man shot Deputy Riches numerous times with an assault rifle while he sat in his patrol car. He initiated an emergency radio transmission but succumbed to his injuries before that transmission could be completed. The suspect was arrested and was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances. Deputy Riches had served with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for nine years.

Remembrance Day

Deputy Bradley Riches End of Watch June 12, 1999 O n June 19, 2000, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed ran a red light and struck Deputy Steven Parsons while he drove his police motorcycle through an intersection. He remained in a medically induced coma until June 24, 2000, when family members authorized doctors to remove him from life support. Deputy Parsons served with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for eleven years.

Remembrance Day

Deputy Steven Parsons End of Watch June 24, 2000

the BULLETIN •MAY 2025 | page 17