Oakland County sheriff's deputy dies in the line of duty while investigating stolen vehicle in Detroit
(CBS DETROIT) - An Oakland County sheriff's deputy was shot and killed late Saturday night during a stolen vehicle investigation in Detroit, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.
According to officials, deputy Bradley Reckling and two other detectives were investigating the theft of a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, which was stolen between 1 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Saturday from the Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights. The three detectives from the sheriff's office's auto theft unit began searching for the vehicle in Detroit.
A preliminary investigation shows Reckling located the stolen vehicle around 10:50 p.m. Saturday in Detroit and was behind it when the driver suddenly stopped and individuals exited the vehicle and opened fire. Bouchard said the shooting was an "ambush." Recking was driving an unmarked vehicle that did not have a dash cam.
Bouchard said Reckling was struck in the head, chest and torso areas.
Detroit police and Michigan State Police responded to the scene and established a perimeter. Three individuals were arrested at the scene.
"Things like this are soul-crushing," Bouchard said. "This family has a 5, a 4 and a 1-year-old, with another child on the way. Our mission is to be there for them."
Bouchard said Reckling, a nine-year veteran, had worked extensively at the sheriff's office's Rochester Hills substation and had recently joined its auto theft unit.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter issued the following statement Sunday:
"I am heartbroken to learn of the shooting death of one of our Oakland County Sheriff deputies. Please keep him, his loved ones and county colleagues in your heart today. I've been in contact with Sheriff Bouchard to offer support to sheriff's office employees during this difficult time."
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald released the following statement Sunday:
"I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Bradley Reckling. On behalf of all of the attorneys and staff at the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, we send condolences to Deputy Reckling's family and friends, and we mourn alongside Sheriff Bouchard and everyone at the Sheriff's Office. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. This was a senseless murder and a terrible loss for our entire community. It's also another tragedy caused by gun violence, which continues to take a tremendous toll on our community."