Holly MatkinDetroit, MI – Detroit Police Department (DPD) Officer Lloyd “Mike” Todd died in the line of duty on Sept. 12 due to complications caused by gunshot wounds he suffered in the line of duty nearly 24 years ago.
“I just had two years on the job, three years on the job, and that’s one of those days that will live in your brain forever,” DPD Chief James White told WXYZ.
The horrific attack occurred near Westphalia Street and Nashville Street at approximately 11:10 p.m. on Dec. 5, 1998, as officers were attempting to stop a fleeing van wanted in connection with a kidnapping, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Multiple DPD vehicles were chasing the fleeing van when the suspects opened fire on them with AK-47s, WXYZ reported.
DPD Officer Shawn Bandy, who was riding in the passenger seat of the first patrol unit, was shot repeatedly in his neck, head, and chest, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
The 23-year-old, four-year DPD veteran succumbed to his wounds the following day.
Officer Bandy’s partner, DPD Officer Ramon Childs, was wounded by bullet fragments and flying glass.
He survived the attack and continues to serve in the DPD’s records department, WXYZ reported.
Officer Todd, who was behind the wheel of another patrol vehicle, was shot in the head, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
The wounded hero remained in a coma for more than two months.
He was later transferred to a rehabilitative facility to continue his recovery, but required 24-hour care for the rest of his life, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Chief White said he was a hero to his fellow officers, WXYZ reported.
“He was paralyzed on the left side of his body. Lost his right eye. And he has lived a very challenged life ever since,” the chief noted.
Four of the suspects involved in the attack were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
A fifth suspect was sentenced to five to 15 years and was out on parole when he was murdered in 2017.
Officer Todd, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, had been with the DPD for five years at the time of the shooting, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
He passed away on Sept. 12 at the age of 57 due to complications caused by his gunshot wounds.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to officer Todd’s family and friends as they mourn the loss of one of Detroit’s heroes,” the DPD said in a statement, according to MLive. “Gone but never forgotten.”
Officer Todd leaves behind his son, as well as his sisters and brothers.
Today we mourn the loss of one of our own, Officer Lloyd “Mike” Todd, who served with the department with honor and distinction for five years.
Officer Todd died on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, due to complications of gunshot wounds sustained in December 1998. pic.twitter.com/YOY8N05BoQ
— Detroit Police News (@detroitpolice) September 13, 2022
RIP. Michigan Police Officer Lloyd “Mike” Todd succumbed to complications of gunshot wounds sustained on December 5th, 1998. He is survived by his son. #rip #eow #murdered #bluelivesmatter #PoliceOfficerLloydMikeTodd #DetroitPoliceDepartment pic.twitter.com/YSmb8upZuK
— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) September 14, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of @detroitpolice Police Officer Lloyd "Mike" Todd who died as a result of complications from gunshot wounds sustained in the line of duty in 1998. May God grant him eternal rest. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/vrd0LmCVuq
— NYPD Chaplains Unit (@NYPDchaplains) September 13, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Detroit Police Department Officer Lloyd “Mike” Todd, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Officer Lloyd Todd, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
