Sterling Heights Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Saturday, June 5, 2004
Add to My HeroesMark Anthony Sawyers
Officer Sawyers died of wounds he received the previous day when he was shot while sitting in his patrol car.
Officer Sawyers had just finished investigating a traffic accident and parked his patrol car in the parking lot of a shopping center at 15 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue. While Officer Sawyers was completing the paperwork for the accident, a vehicle pulled up next to his patrol car and a male armed with a shotgun opened fire, striking Officer Sawyers in the head. The suspect then stole Officer Sawyer's service weapon and fled.
Officer Sawyers was transported to St. John Macomb Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds the following morning.
The suspect's motive in the killing was to acquire a handgun. On July 25, 2004, the suspect was located in Jacksonville, Florida, after being featured on the television show America's Most Wanted. As a SWAT team of local deputies and U.S. marshals stormed the house the suspect committed suicide using Officer Sawyers' stolen service weapon.
Officer Sawyers had served with the Sterling Heights Police Department for seven months, and had previously served for three years with the Detroit Police Department. He is survived by his wife and child.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 3 years, 6 months
- Badge 76
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Friday, June 4, 2004
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 1,204 ReflectionsNever forgotten bro! It's been a long time, you truly been on my mind all this week. You was such a good person. The 20 minute study sessions in your car, in the parking lot of the Detroit police academy before a exam. You definitely use your teaching skills. I so remember, after work going to your house in Warren and having a good weight lifting work out in your basement. The cool things we talked about. Always and down to earth loving guy. You rest peacefully bro. It's been almost 19 years ago so unbelievable sometimes. God bless your family and soul love you bro!
Cpl Derrick Mahone
Detroit Police Department
January 2, 2023
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