I Was a Cop Involved In Multiple Shootings — Then I Lost Myself to Alcohol

Dec 3, 2025 Locked In with Ian Bick
Michael Martinez grew up in San Diego and started getting into trouble as a teenager before turning his life around and heading to Hawaii for college. His goal was to serve and protect — but his past made getting into law enforcement a challenge. While waiting to be accepted, he worked animal control in San Diego County before finally joining the San Diego Police Department. Within his first two years, Michael was involved in three officer-involved shootings, an experience that led to severe PTSD, alcoholism, and a complete personal breakdown. This episode dives deep into the reality behind the badge — the trauma, the toll, and the long road to redemption. Michael opens up about how he rebuilt his life, saved his family, and learned that asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s survival.

#PoliceStory #TrueCrimePodcast #AddictionRecovery #FormerCop #PoliceShootings #MentalHealthAwareness #LawEnforcementLife #redemptionjourney

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Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
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Timestamps:
00:00 Trauma Begins: Michael’s Early Struggles & Childhood Impact
01:27 Who Is Michael? Upbringing, Family Life & Early Influences
05:57 Growing Up Tough: Life Lessons, Trouble & Survival Skills
10:44 The First Turning Point: School, Identity & Finding Purpose
13:05 Starting Out: Security Work, Corrections & Law Enforcement Dreams
17:02 Becoming a Cop: The Application Process & Early Obstacles
24:58 Craziest Animal Control Stories + The Career-Changing Phone Call
27:32 Rejection, Pressure & Balancing Family Expectations
34:13 Joining San Diego PD: Training Academy & Rookie Life
43:54 First Days on Patrol: Real Calls, Adrenaline & Family Adjustments
51:40 The Rookie Reality: Hardest Challenges New Officers Face
01:00:00 First Officer-Involved Shooting: What Really Happens
01:17:38 The Aftermath: Trauma, Marriage Strain & Drinking Begins
01:31:04 Workaholism, Emotional Distance & Alcohol Escalation
01:39:07 Second Shooting: Inside an Active Shooter Incident
01:55:53 PTSD Symptoms: Nightmares, Paranoia & Home Life Collapse
02:01:39 Third Shooting: Risk-Taking, Burnout & Hitting Rock Bottom
02:16:06 The Breaking Point: Career Consequences & Support Arrives
02:23:11 Intervention, Treatment & Admitting the Problem
02:33:21 Recovery Journey: Rebuilding Family & Helping Other Officers
02:52:11 The Power of Police Wellness Programs & Mental Health Support
02:55:30 What He Learned: Advice for Officers, Families & Survivors
02:56:46 Fourth Shooting Revealed: How His Recovery Came Full Circle
03:01:00 Gratitude, Support Systems & Final Thoughts on Healing