Deputy Sheriff Lawrence "Mike" Lavieri

Deputy Sheriff Lawrence "Mike" Lavieri

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Saturday, March 19, 1983

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Lawrence "Mike" Lavieri

Deputy Sheriff Mike Lavieri was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a gas station to investigate a suspicious person.

Deputy Lavieri located the man inside a stolen car and began to question him. During the questioning, the suspect opened fire, wounding Deputy Lavieri's partner. Deputy Lavieri then chased the suspect into a home a half-block away, where the two exchanged shots. Deputy Lavieri was seriously wounded in the exchange, with a gunshot to the face. Deputy Lavieri was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wounds. His partner, seriously wounded, recovered.

The suspect was taken into custody after a mob of angry citizens restrained him. The man, 35, was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years to life.

Deputy Lavieri was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for 16 years.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour 16 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

stolen vehicle, suspicious person

Most Recent Reflection

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Sgt. Lavieri,
On today, the 40th 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. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 19, 2023

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