Richmond County Deputy Victor Rodriguez was released from the hospital Friday evening, just over 24 hours after he was shot during a confrontation with an armed robbery suspect.
His release was met with cheers and hugs from fellow deputies, Sheriff Eugene Brantley, and Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson, as he walked out of Wellstar MCG Health shortly after 7 p.m. – yellow hospital socks still on his feet.
Deputy Rodriguez was wounded early Thursday morning while responding to a reported armed robbery near Washington Road and Interstate 20. According to investigators, 20-year-old Dalyn Elder opened fire on deputies, striking Deputy Rodriguez twice in the torso below his bulletproof vest and grazing him once. Despite his injuries, Deputy Rodriguez returned fire along with Cpl. Amanda Donald. Elder was critically injured in the exchange.
While Rodriguez is expected to make a full recovery, his journey is far from over. The Police Benevolent Association of Georgia (PBAGA), in partnership with the Police Benevolent Foundation and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, has launched a fundraising campaign to help support Rodriguez and his family during his recovery. (Info below)
Although medical costs are generally covered for deputies injured in the line of duty, workers’ compensation significantly reduces take-home pay and eliminates overtime, income many officers rely on. The fundraiser aims to help cover not only medical-related expenses but also basic household costs and the day-to-day needs of Rodriguez’s young family.
How to Help
Online Donations:
Contributions can be made through the Deputy Victor Rodriguez Recovery Fund. All proceeds go directly to Deputy Rodriguez and his family.
Check Donations:
Checks should be made payable to RCSO Benevolent Fund with “Deputy Victor Rodriguez” in the memo line.
Deliver checks to Ms. Anita at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office:
400 Walton Way, Augusta, GA.
Sheriff Brantley has committed to personally ensuring all donations are delivered to the family.
The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to donate, share the fundraiser, and keep Deputy Rodriguez in their thoughts as he begins the road to recovery.
