Father-of-three cop is shot dead after trailing stolen vehicle in unmarked squad car: 'It was an ambush'

A father-of-three police officer was shot dead in an 'ambush' while he was tailing a stolen car in Detroit.

Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Brad Reckling was following the stolen car in an unmarked police vehicle on Saturday evening when the thieves suddenly stopped and started shooting at him. 

He was shot in the head and body multiple times and was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries. 

Oakland County sheriff Michael Bouchard said: 'It was an ambush.' 

Reckland leaves behind his pregnant wife and their three young daughters. 

Reckling was working with two other deputies from the auto theft unit to search for a stolen 2022 Chevrolet Equinox taken from a waterpark earlier that day. 

He was driving an unmarked police car when he spotted the stolen car in Detroit. 

He carefully followed it and then 'suddenly stopped'. 

Bouchard said: 'Individuals exited that stolen vehicle and opened fire on our deputy. 

'That obviously triggered a whole bunch of things. The deputy was struck in the head, struck in the chest, the torso area. At 22:50 the officer down call went out.' 

Detroit Police then 'flooded the area' and set up a perimeter, arresting three people. 

The suspects have not yet been named. 

Reckling's colleagues paid tribute to him on Sunday, with his substation commander praising him as 'one of the best deputies and detectives I've ever worked with'. 

Deputy Nicholas Bohun said: 'Brad was always there to lend a helping hand. He loved his family more than anything. He was a great cop, but even a better friend, and father, and husband.'  

Deputy Matthew Morrison added: 'Brad was a loving husband, father, and amazing friend. He loved the outdoors. He was an amazing fisherman, loved to hunt, and enjoyed growing his farm and raising animals. 

'Brad spent several months remodeling his home, giving his wife and three girls the best place to call home. 

'Anyone who knew Brad knows it doesn't take long for him to start cracking jokes and get him laughing. 

'He was a great worker and amazing friend who would do anything for anyone. He was a prime example of what great parent, husband, and friends means, and he is loved by many and will be truly missed.'

Bouchard called for more resources for the County in the wake of Reckling's death. 

His officers have been called to attend the Rochester Hills splash pad shooting, the Oxford High School shooting and the Michigan State University shooting recently, all of which take a toll on officers' mental health.