Deputy Sheriff Michael Richard Arruda, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

Deputy Sheriff Michael Richard Arruda

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Tuesday, June 15, 2004

Add to My Heroes

Michael Richard Arruda

Deputy Sheriff Michael Arruda succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained six days earlier when he was accidentally shot by another deputy.

Deputy Arruda and three deputies responded to the Motel 6 at 1154 S 7th Avenue in in Hacienda Heights on June 9th, 2004, after receiving a call that someone was firing shots and threatening people. When the deputies arrived, they went to the unit where the suspect was reported to be staying. As they walked toward the unit, the subject exited carrying a pellet pistol that closely resembled a .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun and began firing at the deputies. The deputies returned fire, killing the subject.

One of the rounds fired by the deputies struck Deputy Arruda in the neck, seriously wounding him.

Deputy Arruda was transported to Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where he remained until his death six days later.

Deputy Arruda had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for 13 years. He is survived by his son, daughter, fiancée, parents, brother, and sister.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 13 years
Badge 3478
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Incident Date Wednesday, June 9, 2004

crossfire, shots fired call

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 354 Reflections

God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 15, 2025