Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety, California
End of Watch Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Add to My HeroesMichael Lawrence Sparkes, Sr.
Captain Michael Sparkes was shot and killed when he identified himself and attempted to take action against two suspects as they attempted to rob him while he was off duty.
Captain Sparkes was taking an early morning bike ride when he was confronted by the two gang members near Redondo Beach Boulevard and Avalon Boulevard in Rosewood at approximately 5:35 am. One of the suspects was armed with an AK-47 rifle. Shots were exchanged between Captain Sparkes and the suspects. Despite being mortally wounded, Captain Sparkes was able to give responding officers a description of the two suspects.
Captain Sparkes was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wounds. Coincidentally, Captain Sparkes was assigned to the hospital and was in charge of police and security operations on the hospital campus.
One of the suspects was arrested a short time later after being stopped for a traffic violation by a Los Angeles police officer. The second suspect, who was wounded in the exchange of gunfire, was taken into custody after seeking treatment at a hospital.
The subject who shot Captain Sparkes was sentenced to death. He died in prison on April 22nd, 2019, while awaiting the sentence to be carried out.
Captain Sparkes was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety for 30 years. He is survived by his wife, young son, and adult stepdaughter.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour 30 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; AK-47
- Offender Died in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 129 ReflectionsCapt. Sparkes,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy as a “Tin Can Sailor”on the USS MacDonough(DDG 39). And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
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