A police officer, father of three, was shot dead in an “ambush” while following a stolen car in Detroit.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Reckling was following the stolen car in an unmarked police vehicle Saturday night when the robbers suddenly stopped and began shooting at him.
He was shot several times in the head and body and was rushed to the hospital, but died from his injuries.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said, “It was an ambush.”
Reckland leaves behind his pregnant wife and three young daughters.
Oakland Detective Brad Reckling was following the stolen car in an unmarked police vehicle Saturday when the robbers suddenly stopped and began shooting at him.
Reckling was working with two other officers from the auto theft unit to search for a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox stolen from a water park earlier that day.
He was driving an unmarked police car when he saw the stolen car in Detroit.
He followed it carefully and then “suddenly stopped.”
Bouchard said: ‘The individuals exited that stolen vehicle and opened fire on our deputy.
“That obviously triggered a lot of things. The deputy was hit in the head, chest and torso area. At 10:50 p.m. the officer’s call went out.
Detroit police then “flooded the area” and set up a perimeter, arresting three people.
The suspects have not yet been named.
Reckling’s colleagues paid tribute to him on Sunday, with his substation commander praising him as “one of the best deputies and detectives I have ever worked with.”
Deputy Nicholas Bohun said: ‘Brad was always there to help. He loved his family more than anything. He was a great police officer, but an even better friend, father and husband.
Reckland leaves behind his pregnant wife and three young daughters
Matthew Morrison MP added: ‘Brad was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He loved the outdoors. He was an incredible fisherman, loved to hunt and enjoyed farming his farm and raising animals.
‘Brad spent several months remodeling his house, giving his wife and three daughters the best place to call home.
“Anyone who has met Brad knows that it doesn’t take long for him to start telling jokes and making you laugh.
‘He was a hard worker and an incredible friend who would do anything for anyone. He was an excellent example of what a great father, husband and friend means, and he is loved by many and will be greatly missed.”
Bouchard called for more resources for the county following Reckling’s death.
Its officers have been called to attend the Rochester Hills water platform shooting, the Oxford High School shooting and the recent shooting at Michigan State University, all of which take a toll on officers’ mental health.
