A veteran Georgia sheriff’s deputy has been fatally shot during a confrontation with a suspect while patrolling against gun violence in Augusta overnight.

Richmond County Sgt. William McCarty told news outlets that narcotics investigator Cecil Ridley, 51, was killed Tuesday night in an exchange of gunfire with 24-year-old convicted felon Alvin Hester Jr.

According to a statement from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, at around 8.30pm, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit was conducting routine patrol in the area of 1713 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard when officers encountered a group of people outside of the Augusta Mart.

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Richmond County narcotics investigator Cecil Ridley, 51, was shot dead during a confrontation with convicted felon Alvin Hester Jr, 24 (pictured right in 2017 mugshot) on Tuesday

Ridley was patrolling Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard in August as part of a proactive team to combat gun violence

Hester entered the store allegedly carrying a bag containing drugs and three guns, and and was approached by an officer. When he tried to leave, he ran into Ridley as he was entering the store as backup and opened fire.

The veteran deputy was shot at least once without having a chance to defend himself. The other officer present inside the scene returned fire, sending Hester fleeing into the parking lot.

There, another officer confronted the suspect, who was shot after raising his gun.

Both Ridley and Hester were taken to Augusta University Medical Center, where the investigator was pronounced dead from his injuries a short time later, reported WFXG.

Hester continued undergoing treatment on Wednesday. Upon his release from the hospital, he is expected to be charged with homicide, as well as other counts.

The NYPD paid tribute to the officer, tweeting: 'Our thoughts & prayers go out to the family & friends of Investigator Cecil Ridley of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, who made the ultimate sacrifice when he we shot & killed by a parolee in a high crime area with his narcotics team.'

Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree (left) told reporters Wednesday Ridley (right) had spent a total of 17 years at the agency and was passionate about his job

An emotional Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree said during a press conference this morning that Ridley had spent a total of 17 years at the agency and was part of a proactive team to combat 'senseless gun violence' in Augusta.

Roundtree described the veteran deputy as one of the most 'aggressive and seasoned investigators' on the force who was 'extremely passionate' about his work.

The chief labeled Ridley's killing a 'cowardly act.'

Hester's criminal record stretches back to his teenage years and includes a 2017 conviction on charges of cocaine possession with intent to distribute and obstruction of a law enforcement.

Hester was sentenced in that case to two years in prison, followed by five years of probation.

Both August Mayor Hardie Davis Jr and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp tweeted out their condolences to Ridley's loved ones and the community at large.