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Escaping the Kill Zone: My Journey from LAPD's Zebra Unit to Undercover Federal Operative in the Las Vegas Mafia
“Man’s Life Resembles Spy Movie” — Headline in San Pedro News Pilot on Monday, December 7, 1981
Mike Powell’s blood and guts stories go far beyond his days working as a plainclothes officer in one of LAPD’s Zebra Units—a unit tasked with tracking down violent criminals in South Central L. A. “Shootin’ Newton” was notorious for its many police shootings including the Black Panther and Symbionese Liberation Army shootouts. Two of Mike’s four shootings occurred in Newton.
Mike and his partners tracked down murder suspects, bank robbers, and a serial a killer of young boys. Mike’s police stories take us back to the days when cops were allowed to be cops, and when police chiefs like LAPD’s Ed Davis and Daryl Gates sent former military, “warrior cops” into the streets to hunt down violent criminals.
Mike also served as a key undercover operative for both the LAPD, undercover as a woman, and the federal government, undercover in the MAFIA, and he lived to write about it. If you’ve seen the movie Casino, then you have seen the mobsters he brushed shoulders with.
Mike ended his investigative and undercover career after he received several death threats, and his home was set ablaze while he and his first wife, Manette were in it.
Mike Powell’s blood and guts stories go far beyond his days working as a plainclothes officer in one of LAPD’s Zebra Units—a unit tasked with tracking down violent criminals in South Central L. A. “Shootin’ Newton” was notorious for its many police shootings including the Black Panther and Symbionese Liberation Army shootouts. Two of Mike’s four shootings occurred in Newton.
Mike and his partners tracked down murder suspects, bank robbers, and a serial a killer of young boys. Mike’s police stories take us back to the days when cops were allowed to be cops, and when police chiefs like LAPD’s Ed Davis and Daryl Gates sent former military, “warrior cops” into the streets to hunt down violent criminals.
Mike also served as a key undercover operative for both the LAPD, undercover as a woman, and the federal government, undercover in the MAFIA, and he lived to write about it. If you’ve seen the movie Casino, then you have seen the mobsters he brushed shoulders with.
Mike ended his investigative and undercover career after he received several death threats, and his home was set ablaze while he and his first wife, Manette were in it.
- GenresCrime
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2022
62 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 30, 2022
Historical perspective
Mike's personal account of some horrific events gives us a perspective that we normally would not get. His ability to 'bring us into the room' was very satisfying.
Mike's personal account of some horrific events gives us a perspective that we normally would not get. His ability to 'bring us into the room' was very satisfying.
May 17, 2023
A fascinating memoir, fast read and an interesting perspective on what our cops go through. Read this book, you will not be disappointed.
December 5, 2025
Ok,not captivating
Glad I didn't pay for this read. Don't get me wrong, it was interesting.
Just not as enthralling as I had hoped for
Glad I didn't pay for this read. Don't get me wrong, it was interesting.
Just not as enthralling as I had hoped for
March 27, 2025
This book is a gripping tale that had me hooked from the get-go. The book is a narrative that is as compelling as it is well-written. What sets this book apart is the author's knack for providing vivid explanations of the events he encountered and the reasoning behind his actions. His storytelling is both informative and engaging, offering readers a fascinating glimpse into the world of law enforcement. From start to finish, I found myself captivated by the tone of the book, which strikes a perfect balance between being intriguing and inviting. "Kill Zone" is a standout read that delivers on all fronts - great journey and insightful commentary.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews