Trooper Robert J. Mihalik, Michigan State Police, Michigan

Trooper Robert J. Mihalik

Michigan State Police, Michigan

End of Watch Sunday, September 9, 1984

Robert J. Mihalik

Trooper Robert Mihalik was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for leaving a gas station without paying.

He spotted the man on I-94 in St. Joseph shortly after the broadcast was put out and was able to stop him in a residential area right off of the highway. During the arrest the suspect was argumentative and failed to cooperate. After getting one handcuff on the man he suddenly turned and pushed Trooper Mihalik against the hood of the cruiser and obtained control of his service weapon.

Trooper Mihalik took cover on the other side of the hood but the man again began to yell and fired at Trooper Mihalik six times, striking him in the chin and twice in the chest. Trooper Mihalik was able to return fire with his backup weapon and wounded the suspect, who was arrested minutes later by backup officers.

The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life on July 15, 1985.

Bio

Age 37
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

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Most Recent Reflection

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We are approaching the 34th anniversary of Bob's death. We are thankful for the sacrifice and dedication to those he served. In honor of Bob, he will be forever memorialized on this anniversary by a roadway dedication for a stretch of the roadway he patrolled and was killed on. His wife and family are forever in our life and appreciate the communities support.

Lt. Melinda Logan
Michigan State Police Niles Post

September 5, 2018