Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Ernest Potter was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped to investigate two men who were hitchhiking on I-20, near U.S. 601. As the deputies stepped out of their patrol car, a third suspect surprised them from behind a guardrail and held them at gunpoint. The three suspects walked the two deputies down an embankment, where they opened fire on both deputies. Deputy Potter was struck in the head several times and killed. The other deputy was shot in the head and seriously wounded. The three suspects had murdered Patrolman Richey Finch of the Forest Acres Police Department when Patrolman Finch stopped their vehicle several hours earlier. The shooter was sentenced to life plus 99 years. As of 2020, he was still in prison. Deputy Potter had served with the Kershaw County Sheriff's Department for four months. He was survived by his expectant wife and son. In 1997, his son became a Richland County Deputy.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-DB23684F- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Potter served with the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Lugoff community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Potter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Ernest Christian Potter, III is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In SC, 271 of 438 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.9% of this state's fallen. That is 7.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ernest Christian Potter, III's cause is highlighted.
How Ernest Christian Potter, III Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ernest Christian Potter, III is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ernest Christian Potter, III was killed by handgun; .357 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Kershaw County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
