Kern County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Wednesday, October 19, 1983
Add to My HeroesMichael Jay Bentley
Deputy Sheriff Michael Bentley was killed when his cruiser was intentionally rammed by a fleeing armed robbery suspect.
The suspect was fleeing an armed robbery of a convenience store in a stolen pick-up. The suspect changed direction, and before the pursuing deputy could broadcast the direction, he approached Deputy Bentley's unit head-on, explaining later that he saw the vehicle but decided to commit suicide by ramming the patrol car. The subject suffered a cut lip.
The subject was sentenced to life imprisonment but is eligible for parole.
Deputy Bentley was a United States Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Kern County Sheriff's Office for eight years. He was survived by his wife, stepson, parents.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 8 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Vehicular assault
- Weapon Automobile
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 25 ReflectionsIn 1990 I was sworn in a Kern County Deputy Sheriff. In 1991 I was assigned to the Mojave/Rosamond Sub-station. I spoke to several other Deputies who were present during the incident that took your life. At the time of this tragedy, I was a Police Officer in the Los Angeles area. Years later while on patrol or responding to emergency calls, I drove the road where the collision occurred many, many times. Every single time as I drove down that road I thought of you, having never personally known you. To me and many others you are and always will be a fellow Deputy and a brother. God bless you and may you forever rest with the Lord in peace.
Mark Cerull, Retired Deputy Sheriff
Kern County Sheriff Office
March 31, 2023
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