Blood Drive to be Held for Injured Richmond County Deputy

A blood drive is being held this Friday, July 21, for a Richmond County Deputy severely injured in an exchange of gunfire with a homeless man earlier this month.

The incident happened July 8 as deputies responded to a report of a man with a gun at Ellis and 12th Streets.  Thirty-six-year-old Duterval Sejour was killed when he fired shots at deputies and they returned fire while trying to get him to surrender.

Deputy Kenneth Mercer was shot in the neck during the exchange of gunfire.  He is still undergoing treatment.

"He's required a lot of blood and the blood drive is needed to replenish units used to save his life," said Sheriff Richard Roundtree.

Shepeard Community Blood Center is hosting a blood drive for Mercer this Friday at the Municipal Building.  It's from 10 am until 5 pm in the Linda Beazley room.

Donors are asked to go to shepeardblood.org to make an appointment to donate.

Meanwhile, a benefit ride for Mercer will take place Sunday, July 30, starting at the Richmond County Sheriff's Office South Precinct at 3425 Mike Padgett Highway.  Registration will begin that morning at 10:30.  All proceeds from the event will benefit Mercer.