Captain Michael Lawrence Sparkes Sr., a 53-year-old veteran of the Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety, tragically lost his life on August 10, 2004, in Rosewood, California. Captain Sparkes, who had served with the department for 30 years, was off duty and taking an early morning bike ride near Redondo Beach Boulevard and Avalon Boulevard when he was confronted by two gang members attempting to rob him. Despite identifying himself and attempting to take action, Captain Sparkes was shot multiple times by one of the suspects, who was armed with an AK-47 rifle. Although mortally wounded, Captain Sparkes managed to provide responding officers with descriptions of the suspects before being transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Captain Sparkes' death led to the swift apprehension of the suspects. One of the suspects, Orvis Camil Anthony, was arrested shortly after the incident when he was stopped for a traffic violation by a Los Angeles police officer. The second suspect, Miguel Magallon, who had been wounded in the exchange of gunfire, was taken into custody after seeking treatment at a hospital. Both suspects were charged with the murder of a peace officer and attempted robbery. The suspect who shot Captain Sparkes was sentenced to death and later died in prison on April 22, 2019, while awaiting the execution of his sentence.
Captain Sparkes' death was a significant loss to the Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety and the community he served. He was remembered as a dedicated officer and a United States Navy veteran who had served his country honorably. His commitment to public safety and his bravery in the face of danger were highlighted during the memorial services held in his honor. The flags at the Los Angeles County Hall of Administration and the State Capitol were flown at half-staff to pay tribute to his sacrifice. Captain Sparkes is survived by his wife, young son, and adult stepdaughter, who continue to honor his legacy.
