Rickie Allen Pearson Jr., a 29-year-old detective with the Lenoir County Sheriff's Department, tragically lost his life on April 8, 2009. Detective Pearson, who was a member of the Lenoir-Greene-Jones Law Enforcement Association and a certified BLET instructor at Lenoir Community College, was actively involved in his community and served with dedication.
On the day of his death, Detective Pearson and other members of the agency's Special Response Unit were attempting to apprehend a
suspect who had murdered a woman the previous day in a rural area of Craven County. Deputies had responded to reports of a man shooting a gun on a wooded path and found the vehicle of the murder victim parked nearby. The suspect was located in the woods, where he was firing his rifle.
As the officers approached to take the suspect into custody, he opened fire with his rifle, leading to a gun battle. Detective Pearson was fatally wounded during the exchange, and a second detective suffered a gunshot wound to his neck. The suspect was shot several times by deputies and died from his wounds.
Detective Pearson had served with the Lenoir County Sheriff's Department for eight years and was survived by his wife, Katherine Woodyard Pearson, and other family members. His death was a significant loss to the community and law enforcement, and he was remembered for his dedication and service.
