Killed in the Line of Duty 12 years ago today

July 17, 2012 — The Salt Lake City Police Department today remembers the loss of one of its own: Officer Michael J. Dunman, killed in the line of duty July 17, 2000.

Officer Dunman was struck and killed by a motorist.

At 4 p.m., the 30-year-old officer was on bicycle patrol near 1500 South on State Street when a vehicle jumped the curb and struck him from behind. Dunman suffered massive head injuries and died shortly after arriving at LDS Hospital.

The driver of the vehicle claimed that his tires exploded and caused his vehicle to swerve onto the sidewalk where the victim was riding. Following an investigation by the Utah Highway Patrol, the suspect was charged with negligent homicide. An earlier drug charge was also reactivated. After he was released on bail, the suspect subsequently fled the country.

Officer Dunman was married and the father of three children. He is buried in the Bountiful City Cemetery.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s History Project is working to honor the sacrifices of fallen officers with bronze memorial plaques. To support this program or learn more about our Fallen Officers, visit www.police.slc.gov/newsroom/fallen.

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