22-06-2025
3 years later: remembering fallen Spartanburg deputy Austin Alridge
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Three years ago, 25-year-old Deputy Austin Aldridge was shot and killed by a suspect while responding to a domestic call in Spartanburg County.
On June 21, 2022, Deputy Alridge was responding to a domestic violence call on Chaffee Drive, off of Anderson Mill Road. Alridge was shot as he was approaching the house.
Alridge was transported to a nearby hospital, and died the next day. Alridge had served with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office for three years.
The suspect, identified as 63-year-old Duane Heard, ran from the scene and led deputies on a pursuit down Anderson Mill Road. Heard wrecked his vehicle into a tree, and fled from deputies on foot into nearby woods.
Heard was later found in the woods with two gunshot wounds lying beside a rifle, and taken to a nearby hospital.
Heard was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during violent crime. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division also charged Heard with armed robbery, domestic violence, two counts of pointing and presenting a firearm, and failure to stop for blue lights.
Heard was released from the hospital and booked into the York County Detention Center on October 20, 2022. During his stay, Heard's health gradually deteriorated, and was pronounced dead after he was taken to a hospice facility in Rock Hill.
Deputy Aldridge was named Deputy of the Year during a ceremony on November 16, 2022 in Spartanburg County, almost five months after his end of watch.
On February 22, 2023, The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office announced that the wife of Deputy Aldridge gave birth to their child, Claire Austin Aldridge.
Alridge is remembered for his bravery, dedication, and impact he made in his short time with the office.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office says they sontinue to honor his memory and vow to never forget the ultimate price he paid for the community's safety and freedom.
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