DETROIT (WWJ) — Detroit police officials are asking for tips from the community as they continue to investigate the shooting death of an Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy on the city’s east side over the weekend.
Deputy Brad Reckling was in an unmarked patrol car shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday searching for an SUV that had been reported stolen from the Red Oaks Water Park in Madison Heights earlier in the day.
Detroit police officials say as Reckling was behind the stolen Chevy Equinox, suspects jumped out and fired shots at him. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday Reckling was hit in the head, chest and torso.
"It was an ambush," Sheriff Mike Bouchard said at a Sunday afternoon press conference.
Three people were taken into custody after DPD and Michigan State Police were able to set up a perimeter in the area, Bouchard said Sunday, though no details on the suspects were released. No updates on the suspects were given Monday.
Detroit police officials on Monday asked for anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or knows something about it to call DPD’s Homicide Task Force at 313-596-2260, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, or submit a tip on DetroitRewards.tv.
Crime Stoppers and Detroit Rewards TV tipsters will remain anonymous. DPD officials said Monday if the tip “moves this case forward,” the tipster will receive a $5,000 reward. Tipsters must include case number 2406220359.
The 30-year-old Reckling, a nine-year veteran of the sheriff's department, was a husband and father of three daughters with another child on the way, Bouchard said.
Anyone who would like to support Deputy Reckling’s family, can donate to the charity Mission Oakland. The sheriff's office says 100% of donations made will go directly to his family.
Donations can be made at this website, or mailed with Attention to Mission Oakland, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Building 38E Pontiac MI 48341. “Deputy Reckling” should be put on the memo and checks payable to Mission Oakland.