Michigan sheriff's deputy fatally shot while chasing stolen vehicle in Detroit

Bradley J. Reckling, who was on duty in an unmarked car, was following a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Saturday evening after the vehicle was reported stolen earlier in the day from Red Oaks Water Park in suburban Madison Heights, police said. authorities.

Reckling and other detectives were searching 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.

“It was an ambush,” Bouchard said at a news conference Sunday.

According to him, three individuals were taken into custody. Detroit police continued their investigation.

Reckling, of Rochester Hills, was a nine-year veteran. He was married with three children and a fourth child was on the way, according to Bouchard.

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 suburban Detroit.

“Things like this are heartbreaking,” Bouchard said.