Community reactions after Michigan deputy sheriff was shot during car theft investigation

(CBS-DETROIT) – Several community leaders and police departments have issued statements on the death of a Michigan sheriff’s deputy who shot during the investigation into a stolen vehicle on Saturday night.

Oakland County Deputy Bradley Reckling and two other detectives investigated after a vehicle was stolen from Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights sometime between 1:00 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

Their investigation led them to Detroit, and Reckling found the stolen vehicle at 10:50 p.m. As he was behind the car, it stopped and individuals got out and opened fire.

Reckling was driving a civilian vehicle without a dashcam. Three people were arrested at the scene of the accident.

The MP leaves behind a wife and three children aged one, four and five. A fourth child is on the way.

Below you will find statements from community leaders and police departments following Reckling’s death:

Dave Coulter, Oakland County Executive:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the shooting death of one of our Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputies. Please keep him, his family, and his fellow County Sheriffs in your hearts today. I am in contact with Sheriff Bouchard to offer support to the Sheriff’s Office staff during this difficult time.”

Oakland County District Attorney 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 District Attorney’s Office, we extend our condolences to Deputy Reckling’s family and friends and mourn with Sheriff Bouchard and all of the Sheriff’s staff. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. This was a senseless murder and a terrible loss for our entire community. It is also another tragedy caused by gun violence that continues to take a tremendous toll on our community.”

Warren Police:

“We extend our deepest 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 colleagues. Deputy Reckling leaves behind 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 yesterday in Detroit. Please keep Deputy Brad Reckling’s family and colleagues of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in mind as they deal with his tragic and senseless loss. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Birmingham Police:

“The Birmingham Police Department is deeply saddened by 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, three young daughters, family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers who mourn the loss of this hero.”

Macomb County Sheriff’s Office:

“Please keep the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in your thoughts and prayers. They lost a hero in a police incident last night.”

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. We all feel a loss in the law enforcement community. We stand with you. We mourn with you.”

Michigan State Police Second District:

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Deputy Brad Reckling in the line of duty. Our community has lost a hero, a wife and husband, and his daughters have lost their father. Please keep @oaklandsheriff and the Reckling family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Following the tragic incident, Michigan State Rep. Jaime Greene (R-Richmond) issued a statement saying, “As we mourn this senseless loss, we must also recognize the urgent need to support our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day. Sheriff Bouchard has called for increased mutual support among police departments, and it is imperative that we heed that call and make the safety and well-being of our officers and their families our highest priority.”

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, as well as others, released similar statements.

Rome High School, where Reckling graduated, issued a statement saying the school community was deeply saddened by his death and that its “thoughts are with his wife, Jacqueline, and four children.”