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 Saturday night during an investigation into a stolen vehicle in Detroit, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said.

Officials say 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 Red Oaks Water Park in Madison Heights. The three detectives from the sheriff's office 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 without a dashboard camera.

Bouchard said Reckling was hit in the head, chest and torso.

Detroit Police and Michigan State Police responded to the scene and established a perimeter. Three individuals were arrested on site.

“Things like this are upsetting,” Bouchard said. “This family has a 5, 4 and 1 year old, and 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 substation in Rochester Hills and had recently joined its auto theft unit.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter released the following statement on Sunday:

“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.”

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald released the following statement on Sunday:

“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.”