Deputy Sheriff Michael Jay Bentley
Kern County Sheriff's Department
California
End of Watch: Wednesday, October 19, 1983

Biographical Info
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: Wednesday, October 19, 1983
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

Deputy Bentley was killed when his cruiser was intentionally rammed by a fleeing armed robbery suspect. He had been with the agency for eight years.

The suspect was fleeing an armed robbery of a convenience store in a stolen pick-up. The suspect changed direction and before the pursuing deputy could broadcast the direction, he approached Deputy Bentley's unit head-on, explaining later that he saw the unit, but decided to commit suicide by ramming the patrol car. The suspect suffered a cut lip. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, but is eligible for parole.

Deputy Bentley was survived by his wife, step-son. brother Larry, and parents.