Shocking Incident Leads to Deputy’s Termination in Augusta

News Summary

In a surprising turn of events, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has terminated Deputy Raneisha Price following serious allegations of domestic violence involving another deputy. This incident, which took place in March 2025, has raised questions about accountability and the expectations placed on law enforcement personnel. The RCSO emphasizes its commitment to maintaining high standards for conduct within the department.

Shocking Incident Leads to Deputy’s Termination in Augusta

In a surprising turn of events, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) has made a decisive move by firing Deputy Raneisha Price. This comes on the heels of serious allegations of domestic violence involving another deputy. The incident has left many in the community taken aback and has stirred discussions about the expectations placed on law enforcement personnel.

Deputy Price’s Journey with RCSO

Deputy Raneisha Price had been serving with the RCSO since November 2019, predominantly in road patrol duties. This role is a critical one, as deputies are often the first responders to emergencies and are expected to handle various situations with professionalism and composure. Unfortunately, that expectation was put to the test recently, leading to her unfortunate downfall.

The Incident Unfolds

The concerning incident took place on March 31, 2025, in the 2600 block of Bowdoin Drive at approximately 9:22 a.m. Deputy Malcolm Bowens, who was involved in the incident, reported that he suffered a half-inch laceration to the back of his head after an encounter with Deputy Price. Reports indicate that Price allegedly pushed Bowens in the face, causing him to strike his head against the corner of a wall. This unfortunate altercation prompted Bowens to seek medical attention at a local hospital.

Aftermath of the Incident

Following the altercation, Deputy Price was located at her home on Wheeler Road. During the investigation, she reportedly admitted to pushing Bowens “with her arm and hand,” an action that led to significant consequences for her career. In light of the circumstances, Price was charged with Simple Battery and Family Violence. After her arrest, she was transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

Immediate Actions Taken by RCSO

After the incident, Deputy Price faced non-paid administrative leave while the investigation was ongoing. However, the decision to terminate her employment was swift. Effective April 1, 2025, Price’s termination was confirmed by RCSO’s Chief of Staff, Lewis Blanchard. This quick response from the department underlines their commitment to maintaining high standards for conduct both on and off duty.

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigations

The internal investigation remains active as officials continue to gather details surrounding the incident. In the wake of this troubling event, many are left wondering about the implications for community trust and the integrity of law enforcement. The RCSO has reiterated its stance that it holds deputies to high standards, emphasizing that behavior such as this is unacceptable.

Support and Counseling Offerings

In an effort to combat incidents of domestic violence and support the mental health of its personnel, the RCSO provides various support and counseling services. These resources aim to prevent such occurrences and promote a healthy work environment for all deputies. It highlights the importance of maintaining the well-being of those who serve the community, ensuring they have adequate support systems in place.

A Call for Accountability

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding accountability in law enforcement. As communities strive to build trust with their local agencies, actions taken by individuals within those agencies can have lasting repercussions. The RCSO’s response to Deputy Price’s actions reflects their commitment to ethical standards and serves as a message about the importance of maintaining public trust through accountability.

As the investigation continues, the Augusta community will be watching closely to see what further steps are put in place to prevent such incidents from happening again. The hope is that in the wake of this incident, both the agency and its personnel can emerge stronger and more unified.

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Additional Resources

• WJBF News
• Augusta Chronicle
• MSN News
• Google Search: Richmond County Deputy domestic violence
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence