Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Killed in Ambush While Recovering Stolen Vehicle
A sheriff’s deputy was tragically killed on Saturday in Detroit in what the Oakland County Sheriff is calling an ambush while he was working to recover a stolen vehicle.
Deputy Brad Reckling, a nine-year veteran of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and a father of three with one on the way, was shot and killed during an auto theft investigation that originated in Madison Heights and led investigators to the City of Detroit.
During a press conference on Sunday, Sheriff Michael Bouchard detailed the last moments of deputy Reckling’s life and how the tragedy unfolded. A preliminary investigation revealed that Reckling, along with two other law enforcement officials, located the stolen vehicle when it suddenly stopped and three individuals exited the car and opened fire on Reckling, striking him in the head, chest, and torso.
“It was an ambush,” Sheriff Bouchard said.
Detroit police and Michigan State Police responded to the scene and established a perimeter. Three suspects have been taken into custody in connection to Reckling’s murder.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her condolences, stating, “I’m deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Bradley Reckling. My heart is with his family and the Oakland County communities he served.”
Sheriff Bouchard emphasized the impact of Reckling’s loss on the department, the community, and his family. Reckling leaves behind a loving wife and three young daughters, with one more child on the way.
“Deputy Reckling was a much beloved member of our team. He was a friend and trusted partner to countless other members of our agency,” the sheriff’s office said.
The focus now is on getting justice for the Reckling family and supporting them through this tragedy. The loss of Deputy Brad Reckling has left a huge hole in the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and the community he served.
