Corporal Michael Joseph Roberts, Tampa Police Department, Florida

Corporal Michael Joseph Roberts

Tampa Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Wednesday, August 19, 2009

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Michael Joseph Roberts

Corporal Mike Roberts was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious person at the intersection of Nebraska and East Arctic Street in the Sulphur Springs area of the city.

He noticed the man pushing a shopping cart along the roadway and stopped to question him. During the questioning, the man began to struggle with Corporal Roberts. The suspect produced a handgun and struck Corporal Roberts several times before shooting him once the chest. The round struck him in an area not protected by his vest.

Corporal Roberts' sergeant pulled up as the man began to flee. The man then pulled an AR-15 rifle from his shopping basket, pointed it at the sergeant, and then fled on foot. The sergeant then provided aid to Corporal Roberts by calling for backup. Officers from Corporal Roberts' squad performed CPR until the paramedics arrived, and he was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.

The suspect, a former U.S. Virgin Islands police officer, surrendered a short time later after being located by a canine unit. He was armed with three handguns and a rifle when he was taken into custody. On November 15, 2011, the suspect was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with Officer Roberts' murder and was sentenced to death on February 10, 2012. The Florida Supreme Court later reduced the sentence to life without parole.

Corporal Roberts was a United States Army veteran of the Persia Gulf War who had served with the Tampa Police Department for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and 3-year-old son.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 11 years
Badge 12
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

suspicious person

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Most Recent Reflection

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 8, 2024