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Incident
Sergeant Robert Mikesell was shot and killed while approaching a vehicle he had stopped while investigating a series of shots fired calls throughout the evening on California 111 at 3 am. The occupant of the vehicle opened fire on him with a rifle, killing him instantly. The suspect, 27, was convicted of Sergeant Mikesell's murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. Sergeant Mikesell had served with the Calipatria Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son, who became a law enforcement officer.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Mikesell gave the Calipatria Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Calipatria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Mikesell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Calipatria Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1972, 7 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 45. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. Robert had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 45. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 15.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Calipatria Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 8.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Calipatria Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Calipatria Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
