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On the evening of November 30, 1996, Deputy Robert Pavlik was on patrol in the city of Paramount when he responded to a disturbance call involving several juveniles who were believed to be smoking marijuana. Upon his arrival at the location, Deputy Pavlik encountered and was about to detain a 29-year-old gang member when the gang member suddenly fled from the location on a bicycle. Deputy Pavlik chased him on foot and requested assistance.

The suspect crashed his bicycle a short distance away. Deputy Pavlik approached the suspect and pepper sprayed him. The suspect then pulled a handgun and shot Deputy Pavlik three times, once in the chest and once in each arm. Deputy Pavlik unholstered his weapon in an attempt to return fire; however, as a result of his injuries, he was unable to grip his handgun and it fell to the ground. Deputy Pavlik attempted to gain control of his handgun but had lost all sensation in his hands. The suspect then shot him in the face.

Deputy Pavlik realized he was no longer able to engage the suspect and ran for cover. The suspect shot at him several more times, striking him once more in the chest. Although he was critically injured, Deputy Pavlik successfully fled from the suspect, but eventually collapsed in a pool of his own blood. He was rescued by assisting units and airlifted to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery after sustaining five gunshot wounds. The suspect barricaded himself and was captured several hours later.

Deputy Pavlik successfully returned to work after several months of rehabilitation, but ultimately retired as a result of his injuries from this incident. Deputy Pavlik’s actions on that day in 1996 embody the spirit of a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy. For his heroic actions and personal call to duty, Deputy Robert Pavlik is awarded the Purple Heart.

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Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

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