Tampa Police Remember Fallen Officer, Cpl. Mike Roberts

TAMPA FL — Tampa Police will observe the 10th anniversary of the death of Cpl. Michael J. "Mike" Roberts Monday at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Monument for Fallen Officers at the Tampa Police Headquarters, 411 N. Franklin St.

Roberts was shot and killed Aug. 19, 2009, while investigating a suspicious person in a Sulphur Springs neighborhood that recently experienced several burglaries. Roberts noticed a man pushing a shopping cart along the roadway and stopped to question him. During questioning, the man, later identified as Humberto Delgado Jr., a former police officer himself, began to struggle with Roberts, who then attempted to use his taser.

Delgado ran and Roberts gave chase. Delgado then produced a handgun and shot Roberts several times in his bulletproof vest and then shot him once on the right side of the chest, which was not protected by the vest.

Roberts' sergeant pulled up as Delgado began to flee. Delgado then pulled an AR-15 rifle from his shopping cart, pointed it at the sergeant, and ran. The sergeant went to help Roberts and called for backup.

Officers from Roberts' squad performed CPR until the paramedics arrived. He was transported to Tampa General Hospital died.

Delgado was located by a Police K9 Koda a short time later. He was armed with three handguns and the rifle when he was taken into custody. On November 15, 2011, he was convicted of first-degree murder and was sentenced to death on Feb. 10, 2012.

The Florida Supreme Court later reduced the sentence to life without parole.

K9 Koda retired a hero in 2012 and lived out the rest of his days with his partner, retired K9 Master Patrol Officer Sandy Learned, before dying in January 2016.

Roberts served with the Tampa Police Department for 11 years and had previously served with the United States Army during in the Persian Gulf War. He left behind a wife and a 3-year-old son.

Mayor Jane Castor and Police Chief Brian Dugan, along with his staff, will participate in a Memorial Remembrance Ceremony as the Tampa Police Department's Honor Guard pays tribute.

See related story: K9 Who Caught Cop Killer Mourned