news

Cop, father of three, killed while tracking stolen SUV

Deputy Bradley Reckling: husband, father of three, and soon-to-be-father again, was just 30 years old when he was killed.

Published June 24, 2024 at 8:13am by Taylor Ardrey

Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Killed in Detroit in Apparent Ambush

A Detroit, Michigan, deputy was fatally shot Saturday in what authorities described as an "ambush."

The Details:

Deputy Bradley Reckling, 30, a detective and father of three with a fourth on the way, was investigating a stolen car when he was killed.
The preliminary investigation found that individuals exited the stolen vehicle and shot Reckling in the head and chest.
Three individuals were arrested, according to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, who called the incident an "ambush."

Statements:

"They were doing what they do, being good detectives running down a lead on a car that had recently been stolen and trying to locate it....This situation turned out (differently). And that's the other thing about this job. You don't know what day will become *that *day.” —Sheriff Bouchard

"On behalf of (my office), we send condolences to Deputy Reckling’s family and friends, and we mourn with Sheriff Bouchard. Law enforcement officers risk their lives daily.—Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald

Resources for Public Safety Workers:

Sheriff Bouchard highlighted the need for better mental health and crisis support for law enforcement, citing recent traumas in Michigan, including the Oxford and MSU shootings, and a recent splash pad park shooting, where nine people, including children, were wounded.

Full statements can be found here:

Original reporting by Taylor Ardrey for USA TODAY: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/08/14/detroit-police-ambulance-oakland-county-sheriff-deputy-shot/11756581/#:~:text=An%20Oakland%20County%20Sheriff's%20deputy%20was,in%20Detroit%2C%20Michigan%2C%20the%20office%20said.