Deputy Sheriff Michael Lee Hoenig

Deputy Sheriff Michael Lee Hoenig

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, October 30, 1997

Add to My Heroes

Michael Lee Hoenig

Deputy Sheriff Michael Hoenig was shot and killed at approximately 1:15 am by a subject who was on a bicycle.

The man was acting erratically, and Deputy Hoenig stopped him on the 3000 block of Seminole Avenue in South Gate.

The man opened fire on Deputy Hoenig as he was about to question him. Deputy Hoenig was sitting in his patrol car when the man fired through the window of the rear passenger door. A round struck Deputy Hoenig, who then attempted to exit his patrol car. The man then came around the back of the patrol car and fired at least six more shots.

Deputy Hoenig was wearing a bulletproof vest, but the fatal bullet struck him in the neck. He was found lying outside of his patrol car with his gun next to him. He never had a chance to return fire or to call for help.

The man was found guilty and sentenced to death in December of 1998.

Deputy Hoenig had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for three years and had been with another agency for seven years before it was merged with the sheriff's department. He is survived by his parents, two brothers, and his sister.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 10 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to death

suspicious person

Most Recent Reflection

View all 53 Reflections

Deputy Sheriff Hoenig,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Los Angeles County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 30, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.