TROOPER ROBERT J. MIHALIK MEM. HWY H.B. 5112:
SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 5112 (as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Kimberly LaSata
House Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Senate Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of the Red Arrow Highway in Berrien County beginning at the intersection with Glenlord Road and extending north to the intersection with Hilltop Road as the "Trooper Robert J. Mihalik Memorial Highway".
The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.
BACKGROUND
Trooper Robert J. Mihalik was a Michigan State Police officer who was shot and killed on September 9, 1984. According to the Michigan State Police Troopers Association website, Trooper Mihalik was on patrol that day and responded to a report of theft at a service station. After stopping the suspect's vehicle, Trooper Mihalik approached the suspect, who became argumentative and uncooperative. As Trooper Mihalik attempted to handcuff the suspect, he obtained control of Trooper Mihalik's service revolver. The suspect fired the weapon six times, striking Trooper Mihalik three times. Trooper Mihalik was able to draw and fire a second weapon and injure the suspect, who was arrested by back-up officers shortly afterward. The officers administered first aid to Trooper Mihalik, but he was pronounced dead after being transported to the local hospital. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and felony murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Trooper Mihalik was the 38th Michigan State Police officer to die in the line of duty.
Legislative Analyst: Drew Krogulecki
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Michael Siracuse
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.