A Michigan sheriff’s deputy and father of three young children has been shot dead in an ambush, with local residents calling the officer’s killing a “soul-shattering” death.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Bradley Reckling, a 30-year-old father of three, was pursuing a stolen vehicle in Detroit on Saturday night. The vehicle, a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, had been reported stolen earlier that day from Red Oaks Water Park in Madison Heights.
Reckling, who is with the police department’s auto theft unit, pursued the car in a plain police vehicle.
Suddenly, the stolen vehicle stopped and the perpetrators got out and shot Mr Reckling.
“The vehicle suddenly stopped. Several individuals got out of the stolen vehicle and began firing at the officers. It was an ambush. Obviously, that set a number of things in motion. The officer was shot in the head, chest and torso area. We got a call at 10:50 p.m. that the officer was down. Of course, Detroit Police and MSP were on scene immediately and I want to thank and commend them for that,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. Said At a press conference on Sunday.
Police have arrested three people believed to be involved in the murder of Deputy Reckling.
“They were doing what they’re supposed to do as good detectives, following up on leads on a recently stolen vehicle and trying to locate it,” Bouchard said. “They do it every day, and a lot of times they’ll find an abandoned vehicle and call a tow truck. That wasn’t the case at all in this situation. And that’s another thing about this job — you never know what the day is going to bring.”
Reckling was married and had three children, ages 5, 4 and 1. He and his wife were expecting a fourth child before his sudden death.
Reckling served with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for nine years.
“You can see in the faces and eyes of our people how heartbreaking this is,” Bouchard said.
Bouchard asked for prayers and donations. Mission Oakland Charity to financially support Mr. Reckling’s family after his murder;
“Our mission is to be there for them,” Bouchard added.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Morrison Said Wreckling’s:
Brad was a loving husband, father and a great friend. He loved the outdoors. He was a great fisherman, loved to hunt, and also enjoyed farming and raising animals. Brad spent months renovating his home to make it the perfect home for his wife and three daughters. Anyone who knew Brad knows it never took him long to crack a joke and make them laugh. He was an amazing hard worker and a great friend who would do anything for anyone. He was the best example of what it means to be a great parent, husband and friend, he was loved by many and will truly be missed.
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Press Conference with Sheriff Bouchard and Deputy Bradley RecklingYoutube
