Captain Michael Lawrence Sparkes Sr. was 53 when he was killed on August 10, 2004, while off duty on an early morning bike ride near Redondo Beach Boulevard and Avalon Boulevard in Rosewood, California. A 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Office of Public Safety and a United States Navy veteran, he encountered two men who attempted to rob him. After identifying himself and attempting to take action, he was shot multiple times by one of the suspects armed with an AK-47 rifle. Mortally wounded, Captain Sparkes still gave responding officers descriptions of the suspects before being taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he died.

Two suspects were taken into custody: Orvis Camil Anthony, stopped shortly after the incident for a traffic violation, and Miguel Magallon, who sought treatment after being wounded in the exchange of gunfire. Both were charged with the murder of a peace officer and attempted robbery. The department and the community remembered Captain Sparkes at memorial services; the Los Angeles County Hall of Administration and the State Capitol flew flags at half-staff. He is survived by his wife, a young son, and an adult stepdaughter.

If anyone knew Captain Sparkes or has information about the events that morning, please share what you know.