Sergeant Robert Lee Mikesell of the Calipatria Police Department was killed in the line of duty on August 3, 1972. He was 45 and had served five years with the department. That night he was responding to multiple shots fired calls; at about 3 am he stopped a vehicle on California 111 and, as he approached, the vehicle’s occupant opened fire with a .30-06 rifle, instantly killing him.

Mikesell was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son who later became a law enforcement officer. A 27-year-old suspect was apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

If anyone knew Sergeant Mikesell or has additional details about the events that night, please share what you know.