Michigan sheriff’s deputy fatally shot pursuing a stolen vehicle in Detroit
DETROIT– A Michigan sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot while pursuing a suspected stolen vehicle in Detroit, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday.
Bradley J. Reckling, who was on duty in an unmarked car, followed a 2022 Chevy Equinox on Saturday evening after the vehicle was reported stolen earlier in the day from Red Oaks Waterpark in suburban Madison Heights, authorities said.
Reckling and other detectives were looking for the suspected stolen vehicle and found it in Detroit. Reckling was following him when the vehicle suddenly stopped, people got out and shot the detective in the head, chest and torso, according to Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.
βIt was an ambush,β Bouchard said at a news conference on Sunday.
He said three people have been arrested. Detroit police continued to investigate.
Reckling, of Rochester Hills, was a nine-year veteran. According to Bouchard, he was a married father of three children and had a fourth child on the way.
Bouchard said the shooting comes at a particularly difficult time for the department. Earlier this month, the county sheriff’s office responded to a shooting at a splash pad in the suburbs of Detroit.
βThings like this are heartbreaking,β Bouchard said.