Deputy Sheriff Michael Richard Arruda

Michael Richard Arruda

Deputy Sheriff Michael Arruda succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained six days earlier when he was accidentally shot by another deputy.

Deputy Arruda and three deputies responded to the Motel 6 at 1154 S 7th Avenue in in Hacienda Heights on June 9th, 2004, after receiving a call that someone was firing shots and threatening people. When the deputies arrived, they went to the unit where the suspect was reported to be staying. As they walked toward the unit, the subject exited carrying a pellet pistol that closely resembled a .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun and began firing at the deputies. The deputies returned fire, killing the subject.

One of the rounds fired by the deputies struck Deputy Arruda in the neck, seriously wounding him.

Deputy Arruda was transported to Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where he remained until his death six days later.

Deputy Arruda had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for 13 years. He is survived by his son, daughter, fiancée, parents, brother, and sister.