Deputy Sheriff Michael Richard Arruda

Michael Richard Arruda

Deputy Sheriff Michael Arruda died of a gunshot wound he received six days earlier when he was accidentally shot by another deputy.

Deputy Arruda and three deputies responded to a motel in Hacienda Heights on June 9, 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 suspect exited carrying a pellet pistol that closely resembled a .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun. The suspect began firing at the deputies. The deputies returned fire, killing the suspect. One of the rounds fired by the deputies struck Deputy Arruda in the neck, seriously wounding him.

Deputy Arruda was removed 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.