TAMPA POLICE OFFICER KILLED AUGUST 19th, 2009

It is sad to report that a very distinguished police officer with the Tampa Police Department has been Killed In The Line Of Duty on this date, August 19th, 2009. Corporal Mike Roberts, who had served with the Tampa Police Department K9 Squad for 5 years was recently promoted to Corporal in July 2009. On Wednesday night, Cpl Roberts had responded to a suspicious person in the area of Nebraska Avenue and Arctic Street in the Sulphur Springs area of Tampa which is known for high crime, drug activity and prostitution. Cpl Roberts located a subject who was pushing a shopping cart with items in the cart. When Cpl Roberts made contact with the subject, an argument and struggle ensued and the suspect ran across Nebraska into the neighborhood. Cpl Roberts made contact with the suspect again and at that time the suspect pistol whipped Cpl Roberts and at the same time, he was shot in the left arm, between his bullet proof vest. Cpl Roberts was able to radio for help and his Sergeant was the first to arrive and locate the suspect and was forced to take cover when the suspect began to fire rounds from an AR-15 assault rifle. At that time, his Sergeant attended to Cpl Roberts and the responding backup officers searched the area and was able to locate the suspect after residents in the area called 911 to notify of the suspects 10-20. A TPD K9 dog was sent into the area and was able to locate the suspect and then suspect was subsequently taken into custody when he dropped his weapons. CPR was attempted by Tampa Fire Rescue paramedics for "quite awhile" and CPL Roberts was transported by ambulance to Tampa General Hospital, a Level One Trauma Facility, where he ws pronounced dead an hour later. Corporal Mike Roberts leaves behind a loving wife and a 3 year old son. Corporal Roberts was the 27th In The Line of Duty Death since 1897 within the Tampa Police Department. Please keep Cpl Roberts wife, son and his family in your prayers as well as his extended family within the Tampa Police Department. As you can imagine, his co-workers are just as devastated!

In Memory Of Corporal Mike Roberts; Another HERO, in the greatest sense of the word, needlessly gunned down while protecting the citizens of Tampa, Florida. You have done an outstanding job Cpl. Mike Roberts. It is your turn to relax and rest in peace! God bless you on your new journey...! Thank you for your service and dedication to making people's lives and the world a better place! You will be sorely missed. The Polk County Sheriff's Office and Canine Unit send their deepest sympathies and thoughts and prayers to all the friends, family and officers in the great city of Tampa and county of Hillsborough County! As Detective Mike Evans so eloquently said, "A man remembered NEVER dies!!"