Oakland County deputy shot and killed in east Detroit 'ambush'

An Oakland County sheriff's deputy was shot and killed while investigating a carjacking in Madison Heights that ended in what Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard called a ” ambush” in east Detroit.

Deputy Brad Reckling – a nine-year veteran of the sheriff's office – was among three deputies in the auto theft unit who were searching for a vehicle that was stolen from Red Oaks Water Park between 1 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Saturday .

The preliminary investigation into the shooting indicates that police were chasing the stolen vehicle Saturday evening when, around 10:50 p.m., it stopped abruptly before the suspects got out and opened fire on the car of Reckling, hitting him several times. the head and torso, Bouchard said at a press conference on Sunday.

“It was an ambush that obviously set off a whole bunch of things,” Bouchard said. “Detroit police and [Michigan State Police] flooded the area very quickly, I want to thank and congratulate them for that.

Police established a perimeter around the scene and were able to apprehend three suspects in the immediate area. More information on the suspects will be provided soon by Detroit police, Bouchard said.

Reckling is survived by his wife and three children, ages 5, 4 and 1 – with another child on the way, according to the sheriff's office.

“He was a trusted friend and partner to countless others in our agency,” the sheriff said. Count X read Sunday. “If you would like to support Congressman Reckling's family, we accept donations to our charity, Mission Oakland, and 100% of donations made will go directly to his family.”

Donations can be made via PayPal or mailed to Mission Oakland, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Building 38E, Pontiac, MI, 48341, with “Deputy Reckling” on the memo and checks payable to Mission Oakland.