Patrolman Richard Lee Spaulding

Richard Lee Spaulding

Patrolman Rick Spaulding suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after being involved in a vehicle and foot pursuit in Portsmouth.

Patrolman Spaulding and other officers took the two suspects into custody following the foot pursuit. As Patrolman Spaulding transported one of the men to police headquarters, he suffered a heart attack. His vehicle left the roadway, went down an embankment, and struck a tree at the junction of Portsmouth Boulevard and I-264. Other officers located the car and immediately began CPR.

He was transported to Maryview Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The prisoner being transported suffered only minor injuries.

Patrolman Spaulding had served with the Portsmouth Police Department for nine years; six years as a full-time officer, and three years as an auxiliary officer. He is survived by his wife, two children, and one grandchild.