Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch Thursday, October 30, 1997
Add to My HeroesMichael 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 53 ReflectionsDeputy 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
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Carl Douglas Kimball
St. Francisville Police Department, LA
EOW: January 12, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 13, 2023

Court Services Officer Curtis Matthew Worland
Alaska State Troopers, AK
EOW: December 13, 2022

Chief of Police Justin McIntire
Brackenridge Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 2, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Isaiah Cordero
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: December 29, 2022

Corporal Ray Charles Hamilton
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: December 24, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Corey D. McElroy
Garrett County Sheriff's Office, MD
EOW: December 21, 2022

Detective Paul Daniel Newell
Benton County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: December 17, 2022

Chief of Police Joe Carey
Brodnax Police Department, VA
EOW: December 16, 2022