The Oakland County Sheriff describes the incident that claimed the life of the sheriff’s officer on Saturday in Detroit as an ambush while he was trying to recover a stolen car.
“The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office tragically lost one of our own heroes last night after one of our Auto Theft Unit Investigators, Deputy Brad Reckling, was ambushed and killed during an auto theft investigation that originated in Madison Heights and led investigators to the City of Detroit,” the Sheriff’s Office of Oakland County posted on its Facebook page.
At a press conference on Sunday, Sheriff Michael Bouchard described the final moments of Deputy Reckling’s life as well as the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.
Preliminary investigation findings showed that shortly before 11 p.m., Reckling and two other law enforcement officers found the stolen 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. Suddenly, the car came to a stop, and three people got out. Reckling was shot in the head, chest, and body.
“Fighting for his life,” a Philadelphia police officer said after receiving life support during a traffic stop shooting.
Pictured with his family is Oakland County Deputy Brad Reckling.
A deputy, who was shot and murdered on Saturday night while performing his duties, was a father of three children with one on the way. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is in grief. — (Sheriff’s Office for Oakland County)
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“It was an ambush,” Bouchard affirmed.
Following their arrival, the Detroit Police Department and the Michigan State Police delineated a perimeter.
Three people are being held in connection with his murder, according to the authorities.
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According to Bouchard, the priorities right now are helping the Reckling family get through this tragedy and securing justice for them.
“Things like this are soul crushing,” Bouchard said.
He added that Reckling had just recently moved over to the auto theft unit.
Fallen Oakland County Deputy Brad Reckling
Deputy Brad Reckling tragically lost his life in the line of duty on June 23, 2024. (Sheriff’s Office for Oakland County)
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also posted her condolences on X, writing, “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.”
Bouchard said the loss of Reckling leaves behind a huge hole in his department, the community and in his family.
“Deputy Reckling was a nine-year veteran and a much beloved member of our team. He is survived by a loving wife and three beautiful girls, ages 5, 4, and 1, with one more child on the way. He was a friend and trusted partner to countless other members of our agency,” the sheriff’s office said.