Community reacts after Michigan sheriff's deputy shot and killed during stolen car investigation

(CBS DETROIT) – Several community leaders and police departments have released statements following the death of a Michigan sheriff's deputy who was shot during investigation of stolen vehicle Saturday evening.

Oakland County Deputy Bradley Reckling and two other detectives were investigating the theft of a vehicle at Red Oaks Water Park in Madison Heights between 1 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

Their investigation took them to Detroit and Reckling located the stolen vehicle at 10:50 p.m. While behind the car, the car stopped and individuals got out and opened fire.

Reckling was in an unmarked car without a dashboard camera. Three people were arrested at the scene.

The MP leaves behind a wife and three children aged one, four and five, with a fourth child on the way.

Here are the statements released by community leaders and police departments following Reckling's death:

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter:

“I am heartbroken to learn of the shooting death of one of our Oakland County Sheriff's deputies. Please keep him, his loved ones and his county colleagues in your heart today “I have been in contact with Sheriff Bouchard to offer my support to the employees of the Sheriff's Office during this difficult time.”

Karen McDonald, Oakland County Prosecutor:

“I was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Bradley Reckling. On behalf of all the attorneys and staff of the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, we extend our condolences to to Deputy Reckling's family and friends, and we mourn alongside Sheriff Bouchard and everyone at the Sheriff's Office. Law enforcement officers risked their lives every day to keep us safe. “It was a senseless killing and a terrible loss for our entire community. It's also another tragedy caused by gun violence that continues to happen and will have a huge impact on our community.”

The Warren Police Department:

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office as they mourn the loss of Deputy Brad Reckling. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow officers. L “Deputy Reckling is survived by his wife and young children.”

The Dearborn Heights Police Department:

“Today we mourn the loss of our brother in blue who was killed in the line of duty yesterday in Detroit. Please keep in your thoughts the family and colleagues of the County Sheriff's Office deputy 'Oakland, Brad Reckling, as they deal with his tragic and senseless loss. His dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Birmingham Police:

“The Birmingham Police Department is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Deputy Bradley Reckling. Deputy Reckling was a member of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and was tragically killed in the line of duty while that he was investigating a report of a stolen vehicle Our hearts go out to Deputy Reckling's wife, three young daughters, family, friends and law enforcement siblings who are mourning the loss. of this hero.

Macomb County Sheriff's Office:

“Please keep the Oakland County Sheriff's Office in your thoughts and prayers. They lost a hero in an incident with police last night.”

St. Clair County Sheriff's Office:

“We at the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office extend our deepest condolences to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and the family of Deputy Reckling. A loss to the law enforcement community the law is felt by all. We are at your side We are in mourning with you.

Michigan State Police Second District:

“We are heartbroken by the loss of Deputy Brad Reckling in the line of duty. Our community has lost a hero, a wife and husband, and the father of his daughters. Please keep the @oaklandsheriff and the Reckling family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Following the tragic incident, Michigan Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, released a statement saying, “As we mourn this senseless loss, we must also recognize the critical need to support our law enforcement officers. law enforcement who risk their lives every day. Sheriff Bouchard has called for increased peer-to-peer support for policing, and it is imperative that we heed this call and prioritize the safety and well-being of our officers and their families. »

In addition to these responses, the police departments of Sterling Heights, Grand Blanc Township, Waterford Township, Port Huron, Green Oak Charter Township, Brownstown Township, Bloomfield Township and others have issued similar statements.

Rome High School, where Reckling graduated, released a statement saying the school community was deeply saddened to learn of his death and that “their hearts go out to his wife, Jacqueline, and his four children.”