Police across Michigan respond to tragic death of Hillsdale County deputy

HILLSDALE COUNTY, Mich. (WILX) – Communities across Michigan are mourning the tragic death of a Hillsdale County Sheriff’s deputy who was killed in a shooting Thursday afternoon.

On June 27 at around 3 p.m., a Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office deputy was shot and killed during a traffic stop. He was the department’s first officer to be killed in the line of duty in over 100 years.

The suspect in that shooting was identified as Eric Michael Fiddler. Michigan State Police (MSP) said the suspect opened fire and killed the deputy during a traffic stop and then fled the scene.

After the shooting, Fiddler was on the run for hours and was considered armed and dangerous.

The traffic stop occurred near Beecher Road and Lamb Road in rural Hillsdale County. Multiple police units, including dogs and a police helicopter, were deployed to search for the violinist.

He was later found in a field about 2 miles from where the traffic stop occurred at about 6:15 p.m. Police said they tried to arrest him, but instead Fiddler was involved in a shootout with officers and killed.

MSP took over the investigation.

Members of the Hillsdale community said it was hard to imagine something like this happening so close to home.

“My hands have been shaking since I heard about the shooting and how close it was to my home. I’m in constant fear and terror,” said Hillsdale resident Shante Foster. “It hits you hard; it hits everyone hard because everyone is so close. It’s not a nice experience, it’s not something we want here.”

“We are all hurting, but we know that the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Department is especially hurting tonight because they lost a brother,” said Lt. Rene Gonzalez of the MSP.

Numerous social media accounts from police departments and sheriff’s offices across Michigan responded to the tragedy.

“Colonel Grady and the members of the MSP are deeply saddened to learn of the death of a Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office deputy in the line of duty. This is the second officer killed this week while serving the people of Michigan,” the Michigan State Police said on Facebook. “We extend our sincere condolences to the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office and the family and friends of this slain deputy.”

“We are heartbroken for the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office,” Green Oak Charter Township Police Department. “While arresting a suspect during a traffic stop, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot the arresting officer. This is the second police officer in Michigan killed by a crime in less than a week. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and co-workers.”

“The ELPD would like to extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of a Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was tragically killed in the line of duty today. Rest in peace, we are taking care of you from here,” East Lansing police said.

“Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office join the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office in mourning the passing of their deputy in the line of duty,” the statement said. Genesee County Sheriff’s Office: “Our thoughts and prayers are with another Michigan law enforcement family. Tough week.”

“The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office sends our deepest condolences and support to the neighboring Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office,” the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said. “Our condolences will not outweigh the loss as a deputy made the ultimate sacrifice this afternoon. Rest easy. We are on guard from here.”

News 10 also contacted the suspect’s ex-wife, Eric Fiddlers. She exchanged messages with News 10 on social media and said he was a loving father and she did not experience him as violent. She said she was sorry to the officer’s family and was sending them prayers.

News 10 expects to receive more information from authorities later Friday.

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