Deputy Sheriff Bradley Jay Riches, 34, was killed in the line of duty on June 12, 1999, while on routine patrol in Lake Forest, California. At about 12:52 a.m. Riches pulled into the parking lot of a 7-Eleven on Muirlands Boulevard at Ridge Route Drive when a man armed with an AK-47 opened fire through Riches’ patrol car. Riches attempted an emergency broadcast but was unable to return fire or exit the vehicle before dying from his wounds.

The suspect, identified as Maurice Gerald Steskal, was recognized from the store’s surveillance footage and arrested later that day while attempting to flee. Investigators concluded Steskal had entered the convenience store intending to use the weapon against law enforcement rather than to commit a robbery. Steskal had prior arrests for drunk driving, drug offenses, and assaulting a police officer. Riches had served with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for nine years and was remembered for his dedication and service.

Does anyone have information about Riches’ final shift, the 7-Eleven location, or the arrest that could add clarity to what happened that night?