Riverside Officer Michael Crain identified as shooting victim by La Palma resident Chris Dorner

Officer Michael Crain.

This is Breaking News from Los Cerritos Community Newspaper.

By Brian Hews

Riverside Police Department Officer Crain, a eleven year veteran of the department and a United States Marine Veteran has been confirmed as the victim in an ambush style shooing by La Palma resident Christopher Dorner.

Dorner is one of the most sought fugitives in the United States.  Dorner is accused of ambushing Crain while he was was on routine patrol this past week.  Crain’s partner was also shot during the assault. The incident occurred at approximately 1:35 am on Thursday, February 7, 2013.

Officer Michael Crain was born in Anaheim, California to Stephen and Cindy Crain on April 9, 1978.  He was the oldest of three children and had a brother, Jason, and sister, Leslie.  He was raised in the Riverside area and graduated from Redlands High School in 1996.

After high school, Mike attended Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa for a year prior to enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.  He served two deployment tours in Kuwait as a rifleman in the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines. He was a squad leader, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.  He was then stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA, where he taught Military Operations in Urban Terrain. During his military service, Mike was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 1 star, a Certificate of Commendation, and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge.

After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Mike joined the Riverside Police Department. He graduated from the Riverside Sheriff’s Academy, class #152, and was sworn in as a Riverside Police Officer on August 24, 2001.

Following his graduation from the Field Training Program, he was assigned to Field Operations as a patrol officer.  During his 11 year tenure with the Riverside Police Department, Mike served as a patrol officer, and was assigned to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. He had also served as a Helicopter Observer, a Field Training Officer, a Firearms Instructor, and had been assigned to the University Neighborhood Enhancement Team (UNET).

Mike had a big heart, and enjoyed spending time with his wife, Regina, son, Ian (age 10), and daughter Kaitlyn (age 4).  He loved attending dance recitals with his daughter and coaching his son’s baseball team. He also loved his classic 1970 Chevy Nova, which he spent his spare time restoring.  Mike’s family and friends knew his usually straight face hid a huge personality.  He made an unforgettable impression on everyone he met.

During the early morning of February 7, 2013, Officer Michael Crain was gunned down in an apparent ambush while he was on patrol and parked at a stoplight with a trainee officer.  Mike will be missed by his family, friends, and his community.

Funeral Information

The funeral service for RPD Officer Michael Crain is scheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at 10:30 AM, at The Grove Community Church in Riverside.  Services will be presided over by Pastor Tom Lance.  Acheson and Graham Mortuary organized the funeral arrangements.
Officer Michael Crain will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery (http://www.rncsc.org)

Any police agency wishing to participate in the funeral procession please contact
the following personnel for more information:
Aviation- Sgt. Dwayne May 951-320-8078 or [email protected]
Honor Guard- Ofc. Marvin Braun 951-351-6387 or[email protected]