HILLSDALE COUNTY, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – A Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Department deputy was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Thursday afternoon in the area of Beecher and Lamb Roads southeast of Hillsdale.
The suspect who authorities say shot the deputy with a handgun was later killed during an exchange of gunfire with police.
The suspect was identified as Eric Michael Fiddler. He was considered to be armed and dangerous during the search for him which included the Sheriff’s Department, State Police K-9’s and a State Police airplane.
State Police say Fiddler was wanted on a couple of warrants.
The deputy who was shot later died at a nearby hospital. He was taken to the hospital by another deputy following the shooting.
Fiddler fled on foot and was at large for several hours before the Michigan State Police said he was found in a field in the area of Culbert and Osseo Roads at around 6:15 p.m..
Authorities say Fiddler was ordered to surrender but he fired on State Troopers. They returned fire and shot Fiddler who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The name of the deputy has not been released pending notification of family members. It’s the first time since 1930 a Hillsdale County police officer has died in the line of duty.
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