The Michigan State Police Niles Post will be honoring Trooper Robert Mihalik and his family at a ceremony at 2 p.m., Tuesday Sept. 9, in St. Joseph.

This date marks the 30th anniversary of his death in 1984. The ceremony will be held at the north end of Lookout Park located on Lakeshore Drive (Red Arrow Hwy) just south of Hilltop Avenue and the public is welcome to attend.

Since the inception of the Michigan State Police in 1917, every enforcement member of the department has taken an oath to “preserve, protect and defend” the constitution, the honor and traditions of the Michigan State Police, and the public safety of the people of Michigan.

Fifty-one members of the department have affirmed that oath with their lives.

Mihalik was the 38th trooper to lose his life — with Berrien County being the deadliest county for troopers. In the 97 years of service, six troopers have lost their life while protecting Berrien County residents and its visitors.

 

Trooper Robert “Bob” J. MIHALIK

March 23, 1947 — Sept. 9, 1984

Trooper Mihalik was shot to death while arresting a person suspected of failing to pay for gasoline.

On Sunday, Sept. 9, 1984, a service station attendant called the St. Joseph Post reporting that a man had just left the station without paying for $35 worth of gas and cigarettes. The post immediately broadcast the description of the suspect and his vehicle.

Mihalik was patrolling the I-94 freeway near the area where the suspect was last seen driving. He soon spotted the suspect’s vehicle and followed it off the freeway. He was finally able to force the suspect to stop in a residential area of Shoreham, an unincorporated village.

Witnesses saw Mihalik approach the suspect and heard the suspect arguing. Mihalik eventually had the suspect turn and take a position of submission to arrest. The suspect continued to argue, and began struggling as the officer started handcuffing him. Mihalik was able to secure only one handcuff when the suspect suddenly turned and pushed him back onto the hood of the patrol car. The suspect immediately grabbed for the officer’s service revolver, wrestling it away from him. Mihalik rolled off the patrol car and crouched beside it for cover. The suspect began yelling and waving the gun in the air, then suddenly shot over the hood of the patrol car at Mihalik.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect fired six shots at Mihalik, striking him three times. One non-fatal round struck his chin, and two rounds (one of which was fatal) struck his chest.

Mihalik was able to draw his snubnose revolver and fire five shots, striking the suspect’s left hand once. Witnesses kept the suspect in view as he fled the scene a short distance on foot. Back-up officers arrived and administered first aid to Mihalik. They were also able to arrest the suspect without incident moments later. His right wrist was still handcuffed.

Mihalik was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m.

The suspect was charged with first degree murder and felony murder. He was convicted on both counts in circuit court and sentenced to life imprisonment.