Trooper Robert J. Mihalik
Michigan State Police
Michigan
End of Watch: Sunday, September 9, 1984
Cause: Gunfire

Biographical Info
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Trooper Robert Mihalik was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for leaving a gas station without paying. He spotted the man on I-96 in St. Joseph shortly after the broadcast was put out and was able to stop him in a residential area right off of the highway. During the arrest the suspect was argumentative and failed to cooperate. After getting one handcuff on the man he suddenly turned and pushed Trooper Mihalik against the hood of the cruiser and obtained control of his service weapon.

Trooper Mihalik took cover on the other side of the hood but the man again began to yell and fired at Trooper Mihalik six times, striking him in the chin and twice in the chest. Trooper Mihalik was able to return fire with his backup weapon and wounded the suspect, who was arrested minutes later by backup officers.