Richard Lee "Rick" Rhyne, a 58-year-old white male, was a Deputy Sheriff with the Moore County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina. On December 8, 2011, he tragically lost his life while responding to a trespassing report at a residence on Morrison Bridge Road. During the investigation, Deputy Rhyne discovered that one of the individuals he was questioning had an outstanding warrant for child support. As he attempted to arrest the suspect, the man fatally shot Deputy Rhyne with a handgun.
The suspect subsequently committed suicide at the scene.
Deputy Rhyne had a distinguished career in law enforcement, serving for a total of 37 years. He had previously worked with the Pinehurst Police Department and had retired as the police chief of the Foxfire Police Department before joining the Moore County Sheriff's Office in 2007. His dedication to public service was honored posthumously when the Moore County Sheriff's Department named their new public safety center the Rick Rhyne Public Safety Center on April 23, 2013.
The investigation into Deputy Rhyne's death revealed that the suspect, who was also a white male, had a history of legal troubles, including the outstanding child support warrant. The incident was a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. Deputy Rhyne's death was a significant loss to the community, and his legacy continues to be remembered by his colleagues, family, and the citizens of Moore County.
