A Detroit sheriff’s deputy was killed Saturday in what the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is calling an “ambush” while attempting to recover a stolen vehicle.
“The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office tragically lost one of our heroes last night when Deputy Brad Reckling, one of our Auto Theft Unit investigators, was ambushed and killed during a motor vehicle theft investigation that began in Madison Heights and led investigators into the city of Detroit,” the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.
During a press conference Sunday, Sheriff Michael Bouchard detailed the final moments of Deputy Reckling’s life and how the tragedy unfolded.
A preliminary investigation revealed that just before 11 p.m., Reckling, along with two other officers, spotted a stolen 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, but the vehicle suddenly stopped and three officers exited the vehicle and opened fire on Reckling, striking him in the head, chest and torso.
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The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of a deputy and father of three, with another on the way, who was shot and killed in the line of duty Saturday night. (Oakland County Sheriff’s Office)
“It was an ambush,” Bouchard said.
Detroit police and Michigan State Police were also on scene and set up a cordon.
Three suspects have been detained in connection with his murder, authorities said.
Bouchard said his focus now is getting justice for the Reckling family and supporting them through this tragedy.
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“Something like this is soul-shattering,” Bouchard said.
Reckling added that he had only recently been transferred to the auto theft unit.
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Deputy Sheriff Brad Reckling tragically lost his life in the line of duty on June 23, 2024. (Oakland County Sheriff’s Office)
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also offered her condolences to X, writing, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Bradley Reckling. My heart is with his family and the Oakland County community he served.”
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Bouchard said Reckling’s death leaves a huge hole in his department, the community and his family.
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“Deputy Reckling had nine years of service and was a much-loved member of our team. He is survived by his loving wife and three beautiful daughters, ages 5, 4 and 1, with another child on the way. He was a friend and trusted partner to countless members of our department,” the sheriff’s office said.
