Corporal Matthew Mealing is to be commended for his actions based on his part in the apprehension of a murder/armed robbery suspect.

On October 5, 2017, at 0042 hours, a murder occurred on Fifteen Street at Harper Street.   The suspect was spotted on foot fleeing the scene, running across Fifteen Street towards Chaffee Avenue.   The path in which the suspect had taken was checked again by responding units for any overlooked evidence.  The victim’s purse was discovered in the rear of a parking lot on Chaffee Ave.  Corporal Matthew Mealing discovered marks in the dirt median going into the parking lot next to where the victim’s purse was located. Upon checking the bushes surrounding this area, Corporal Matthew Mealing located the suspect hiding in the bushes. A .22 magnum derringer was located in one of the suspect’s shoes. The suspect later admitted to committing the murder and armed robbery. As a result of team work and great investigative skills, the suspect was immediately taken into custody.

Corporal Matthew Mealing is a credit to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Augusta Richmond County.