On March 21, 2023, Sergeant Byrnie Hardin was off duty with his son at the Peach Orchard Road Pharmacy, 2529 Peach Orchard Road, when an armed subject walked behind the pharmacy counter, pointed a handgun at the employees and demanded Oxycodone pills. The suspect grabbed the pills and fled the business on foot. Sergeant Hardin was in the break room area when the incident occurred, retrieved his off duty carry weapon and pursued the suspect toward Woodward Ave. While fleeing, the suspect stopped and pointed his handgun at Sergeant Hardin who continued running toward the suspect who continued fleeing. Sergeant Hardin chased the suspect to a waiting get-away car. Sergeant Hardin was able to get a description of the second suspect driving the vehicle as well as a partial tag and vehicle description. Deputies were able to check the Flock cameras to get the complete tag information as well as the name and address of the registered owner. Deputies were able to use the information that Sergeant Hardin obtained to further their investigation and arrest the two suspects for armed robber. Sergeant Hardin’s selfless service and dedication to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the Richmond County Sheriff's Office and is therefore worthy of recognition.

 

Sergeant Hardin is a credit to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Augusta Richmond County.