Calipatria Police Department, California
End of Watch: Thursday, August 3, 1972
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 10
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 3, 1972
Weapon Used: Rifle; .30-.06
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Sergeant Robert Mikesell was shot and killed while approaching a vehicle he had stopped while investigating a series of shots fired calls throughout the evening on California 111 at 3 am.
The occupant of the vehicle opened fire on him with a rifle, killing him instantly.
The suspect, 27, was convicted of Sergeant Mikesell's murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
Sergeant Mikesell had served with the Calipatria Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son, who became a law enforcement officer.