(CBS-DETROIT) – Several community leaders and law enforcement have released statements following the death of a Michigan sheriff’s deputy shot dead during a stolen vehicle investigation on Saturday night.
Oakland County Deputy Bradley Reckling and two other detectives were investigating after a vehicle was stolen from Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights sometime between 1 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
Their investigation took them to Detroit, and Reckling located the stolen vehicle at 10:50 p.m. While he was behind the car, it stopped and people got out and opened fire.
Reckling was in an unmarked car without a dashcam. Three people were arrested at the scene of the incident.
The deputy leaves behind a wife and three children, ages one, four and five, with a fourth child on the way.
Below are statements released by community leaders and law enforcement following Reckling’s death:
Dave Coulter, Oakland County Executive:
“I am heartbroken to learn of the shooting death of one of our Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies. Please keep him, his loved ones and county colleagues in your hearts today. I have been in contact with Sheriff Bouchard to offer support to the sheriff’s office employees during this difficult time.”
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald:
“I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Bradley Reckling. On behalf of all the attorneys and staff of the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, we extend our condolences to Deputy Reckling’s family and friends, and we mourn with the Sheriff. Bouchard and everyone at the Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect us. This was a senseless murder and a terrible loss for our entire community. It is also another tragedy caused by gun violence, which continues to take an enormous toll on our community.”
Warren Police:
“We extend our sincere condolences to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office as they mourn the loss of Deputy Brad Reckling. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow officers. Deputy Reckling is survived by his wife and young children.”
Dearborn Heights Police:
“Today we mourn the loss of our brother in blue, who was killed in the line of duty in Detroit yesterday. Please keep the family and colleagues of Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brad Reckling in your thoughts as they cope with his tragic and senseless loss. His dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Birmingham Police:
“The Birmingham Police Department is deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Deputy Bradley Reckling. Deputy Reckling was a member of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and was tragically killed in the line of duty while investigating a report of a stolen vehicle. Our thoughts are with Deputy Reckling’s wife, his three young daughters, family, friends and fellow police brothers and sisters as they mourn the loss of this hero.”
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office:
“Please keep the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in your thoughts and prayers. They lost a hero last night in a police incident.”
St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office:
“We at the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office extend our deepest condolences to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Deputy Reckling. A loss in the law enforcement community is felt by all. We stand with you. We mourn with you .”
Michigan State Police Second District:
“We are heartbroken by the death of Deputy Brad Reckling. Our community has lost a hero, a wife and husband, and his daughters, their father. Please keep the @oaklandsheriff and the Reckling family in your thoughts and prayers.”
After the tragic incident, Michigan Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, issued a statement saying, “While we grieve this senseless loss, we must also recognize the critical need to support our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day. Sheriff Bouchard has called for better peer-to-peer support for police services, and it is imperative that we answer this call and prioritize the safety and well-being of our officers and their families.
In addition to these responses, the police departments of Sterling Heights, Grand Blanc Township, Waterford Township, Port Huron, Green Oak Charter Township, Brownstown Township and Bloomfield Township and others issued similar statements.
Rome High School, where Reckling graduated, released a statement saying the school community was deeply saddened to hear of his death and that their “hearts are with his wife Jacqueline and four children.”
