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

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Pierson
Shelby County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: August 29, 2023

Sheriff Robert Daniel Rodgers
Wilcox County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: August 29, 2023