Detroit Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Tuesday, February 12, 2002
Add to My HeroesMichael T. Scanlon
Officer Michael Scanlon was stabbed to death after making a traffic stop along Six Mile near Beech Daly in Redford Township at about 9:50 p.m.
Officer Scanlon was working a traffic detail in the 8th Precinct when he observed the driver of a vehicle make an illegal turn onto Six Mile. He followed the vehicle into Redford Township where he initiated a traffic stop on Beech Daly Road. After the vehicle stopped, he removed the driver from the vehicle and began to frisk him.
While searching the suspect, the suspect attempted to flee and was tackled by Officer Scanlon. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect stabbed Officer Scanlon in the neck and back nine times. While trying to defend himself, Officer Scanlon shot the suspect in the chest, seriously wounding him. The round also struck Officer Scanlon in the arm. The suspect then stole Officer Scanlon's patrol car and service weapon and drove himself to the hospital, where he was taken into custody. Another person in the suspect's vehicle also fled the scene.
The suspect was convicted of murder in September of 2002 and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Scanlon had been employed with the Detroit Police Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife, two young children, brother, and sister.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 7 years
- Badge 2562
Incident Details
- Cause Stabbed
- Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 198 ReflectionsMike,
I can't believe it's been 20 years. I'm sorry it's taken me this long to leave a message for you. I remember the last time we spoke at the Carriage House, when you told me Leah was pregnant, and how happy you were. I remember the trip to DC in 2003 when they added your name to the wall. It still all remains very surreal to me. There's a lot more things I can say, but I think I'll tell you the next time we meet.
Fmr Sgt. Bob Gerak
Fmr DPD #8, Current FHPD
May 4, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story
Perry County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: June 22, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: June 21, 2022

Deputy Sheriff J'Mar Colin Abel
Chambers County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 20, 2022

Police Officer Joseph Anthony Santana
El Monte Police Department, CA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Corporal Michael Domingo Paredes
El Monte Police Department, CA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin W. "Melvin" Richardson
Fremont County Sheriff's Office, IA
EOW: June 14, 2022

Correctional Officer IV Jade Drennan
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: May 19, 2022

Deputy First Class Glenn R. Hilliard
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, MD
EOW: June 12, 2022
Detective Justin Michael Terry
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: June 10, 2022