Suspects Accused of Killing Deputy Bradley Reckling Amid Pursuit of Stolen SUV
Three 18-year-old men have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Bradley J. Reckling, who was killed on June 22 while pursuing a stolen vehicle into Detroit. Prosecutors allege the men were part of a large auto theft ring spanning multiple counties and cities. The shooter has been charged with murder of a police officer, while all three face numerous other charges related to the theft operation, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Charges Filed After Multi-Agency Investigation
The men face serious charges following a four-month investigation by multiple agencies. In addition to murder, charges against the men include conducting a criminal enterprise, being accessories after the fact, carjacking, and concealing stolen property. Their arraignment is set for Thursday.
“This started as a tragic loss of a peace officer, but our investigation soon revealed a much larger criminal enterprise,” Worthy said. “This was a ring that touched many communities.”
A Deadly Incident on Duty
Deputy Reckling was working with an auto theft task force on June 22 when he spotted a Chevy Equinox, reported stolen earlier that day from a water park near Detroit. Pursuing the vehicle in an unmarked police car, Reckling was shot multiple times, with gunshots to the head, chest, and torso. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Remembering Deputy Reckling
Deputy Reckling was a nine-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, described as a devoted family man. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard expressed deep sorrow over Reckling’s death, recalling him as a dedicated officer and family man.
“It’s a gut punch when you lose someone in the line of duty,” Bouchard said. “There can be no healing from a loss like this, but you learn to process it.”
