Police Officer Michael J. Faulkner, Oakland Police Department, California

Police Officer Michael J. Faulkner

Oakland Police Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, June 27, 1981

Michael J. Faulkner

Police Officer Michael Faulkner was shot and killed while investigating a domestic disturbance.

He and another officer were at the scene for a second time that night, but found that the male subject had left before they arrived. Officer Faulkner began looking for the man and obtained information about where he lived. The second officer began transporting the female to the man's location on Ghormley Avenue. When they arrived they observed Officer Faulkner talking to the suspect. When the woman positively identified the suspect the man began to walk away.

As Officer Faulkner attempted to stop him, the man suddenly produced a handgun from his pants, turned around, and opened fire. Both officers returned fire but Officer Faulkner suffered a fatal wound to the head. The suspect was also killed in the return fire.

Officer Faulkner had been a member of the Oakland Police Department for nine years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 9 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Shot and killed

domestic

Most Recent Reflection

View all 18 Reflections

I did not know Michael, but I have never forgotten him. I was on the medical team which got the the call for the offfice down on Ghormley Ave. I did what I could to save his life. Whle I have not been back there, I remember the crime scene as if were yestereday.

Working in Oakland at the time shootings and murders where fairly common. But when an officer is shot, that's something one never forgets. I had the upmost respect for OPD at time as shootings and murders in Oakland were a common occurance at that time.

I know after Micalel was shot his partner returned fire wounding the shooter. (I can't remember if he died, but I do rember him being in the ER in the room next to Michael. I rember talking to Michael's parter at the hospital and just how upset he was. By this time it was pretty clear Michalel was not going to make it. This is one of those times that can make a grown cry and a uniformed police office tear-up. I recall being told Michael and this offficer had been partners for sometime. I know and understand that bond that occurs between partners which made it even more difficult.

It's nice to read all of the wonderful comments people have written to and about Michael. Evertime I had to go to OPD I would make a point to look in the glass case with the badges of the fallen officers. I would specifically look for Michael's badge and pay tribute.

To Michael's family and friends you have to know idea of just how brave and courageous Michael had to have been to be a police officer in Oakland in that era. Of all of the cities in the Bay Area, Oakland was THE most dangerous and THE most violent city for police officers. I can recall days when I was dispatched to 3 back to back shootings in just one shift. One just can't explain just how dangerous Oakland was at that time for police and citizens. To give you some idea, watch episodes of Hill Street Blues. (Several of the stories and the police ligo were taken directly from Oakland.)

I willl remember and mourn Officer Faulkner's senseless shooting and death until the day I die. I also want to thank all of the officers of the OPD for keeping me safe and alive on all of the shifts I worked in Oakland. And yes there are many times I needed your assistance when I was savings peoples lives.

I remember, I was there.
I was on the team trying to save Michael's life.

April 15, 2017