Bio & Incident Details
Age: 53
Tour: 30 years
Badge # Not available
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 8/10/2004
Weapon: Rifle; AK-47
Suspect: Sentenced to death
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Captain Michael Sparkes was shot and killed when he identified himself and attempted to take action against two suspects as they attempted to rob him while he was off duty.
Captain Sparkes was taking an early morning bike ride when he was confronted by the two gang members at approximately 0535 hours. One of the suspects was armed with an AK-47 rifle. Shots were exchanged between Captain Sparkes and the suspects. Despite being mortally wounded, Captain Sparkes was able to give responding officers a description of the two suspects.
Captain Sparkes was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds. Coincidentally, Captain Sparkes was assigned to the hospital and was in charge of police and security operations on the hospital campus.
One of the suspects was arrested a short time later after being stopped for a traffic violation by a Los Angeles police officer. The second suspect, who was wounded in the exchange of gunfire, was taken into custody after seeking treatment at a hospital.
Captain Sparkes had served with the Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety for 30 years. He is survived by his wife, young son, and adult stepdaughter.
