Michigan deputy sheriff is ambushed and shot while pursuing a stolen car

OAKLAND COUNTY, Michigan — A deputy pursuing a car reported stolen was killed Saturday when the vehicle suddenly stopped and three suspects got out, opened fire on the patrol car, killing the deputy, reports say.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office announced in a press release that Deputy Brad Reckling was killed in the shooting. Three suspects were taken into custody, the sheriff’s office said.

“Deputy Reckling had been on the force for nine years and was a much-loved member of our team,” the press release said. “He was a friend and trusted partner to countless other members of our agency.”

According to mlive.com, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a press conference Sunday that the vehicle was reported stolen in Rochester Hills between 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday. Reckling discovered the vehicle in Detroit on Saturday night, the Detroit News reports.

“The car suddenly stopped. People got out of the stolen vehicle and opened fire on our deputy. It was an ambush,” Bouchard said at the press conference, according to News. Reckling was reportedly shot multiple times.

The three suspects were arrested a short time later in Detroit, but no further information was released.

Reckling leaves behind a wife and three daughters, ages 5, 4 and 1. The sheriff’s office said the couple was expecting a fourth child.