Deputy killed in the line of duty was ambushed while chasing stolen car, sheriff says

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI – An Oakland County sheriff's deputy was chasing a stolen vehicle when he was fatally shot in an ambush, the sheriff said.

The slain deputy was identified as Bradley J. Reckling. He worked at the ministry for nine years.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard informed the media Sunday afternoon, June 23, that Reckling was shot and killed Saturday evening.

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A series of events unfolded earlier in the day on Saturday, June 22 that ultimately led to this deadly altercation.

The sheriff said a vehicle was stolen in Rochester Hills between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday. Oakland County sheriff's detectives began searching the Detroit area for the vehicle.

Reckling located the stolen vehicle near Park Grove Street and Schoenherr Road. The vehicle stopped suddenly, three individuals got out of the vehicle and opened fire on Reckling.

“It was an ambush,” Bouchard said.

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Gunshots hit Reckling in the head, chest and torso, the sheriff said.

A perimeter was immediately established and three suspects were taken into custody, Bouchard said. He said his agency was crushed by the incident.

Reckling was described as a loving husband, father and wonderful friend who loved hunting. Reckling leaves behind a wife, three young children and a fourth child on the way, Bouchard said. The sheriff asked for prayers from the community for Reckling's family.