Robert James Mihalik served in the U.S. Army for 1 year and 9 months. Robert served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Trooper Robert Mihalik was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for leaving a gas station without paying. He spotted the man on I-94 in St. Joseph shortly after the broadcast was put out and was able to stop him in a residential area. During the arrest, the suspect was argumentative and failed to cooperate. After getting one handcuff on the man, he suddenly turned and pushed Trooper Mihalik against the hood of the cruiser and obtained control of his service weapon. Trooper Mihalik took cover on the other side of the hood, but the man again began to yell and fired at Trooper Mihalik six times, striking him in the chin and twice in the chest. Trooper Mihalik was able to return fire with his backup weapon and wounded the suspect, who was arrested minutes later by backup officers. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life on July 15, 1985. Trooper Mihalik was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Michigan State Police for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and two sons. In June 2020, Red Arrow Highway was renamed Robert J. Mihalik Memorial Highway.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Trooper Mihalik gave the Michigan State Police 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Michigan, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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