Detective Michael Lee Lane, Whittier Police Department, California

Detective Michael Lee Lane

Whittier Police Department, California

End of Watch Thursday, December 13, 1979

Michael Lee Lane

Detective Michael Lane was shot and killed during an undercover operation at a cocktail lounge at 12808 Whittier Boulevard.

He had accompanied the victim of a motorcycle theft to the lounge as part of the investigation. As they sat in a pickup trick in the parking lot two members of rival motorcycle gangs approached the truck and opened fire on it, striking Detective Lane several times.

Despite his wounds, he returned fire, killing one of the subjects and wounding the other. The wounded subject was taken into custody by Detective Lane's backup officers and charged with murder.

Detective Lane had served with the Whittier Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 11 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed

auto theft, gang member, undercover

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 36 Reflections

You will always be my Uncle Mike. I even named on of my sons after you and he eerily looks like you. You have and always be my "Hero." It was rare after your passing, doing what we believed you loved that Grandma Lane didn't slip up and call me Mike. Your family is and always will be proud of you for the man you were and continue to be by those who carry your memory forward. You will always be alive in the hearts of those who knew you!

John Micheal Jones
Nephew

December 13, 2018