Hillsdale County deputy killed in traffic stop shooting; Shooter killed

HILLSDALE COUNTY, Mich. – A Hillsdale County sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed during a traffic stop.

Officials say Eric Michael Fiddler shot the deputy in the area of Beecher and Lamb roads, which required several law enforcement agencies to be present for the manhunt, including K9 Aviation and ES Team.

Following the incident on Thursday (June 27), an hours-long manhunt ensued until the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team identified and located Fiddler hiding in a field near the intersection of Culbert Road and Osseo Road South at 6:15 p.m.

Michigan State Police said they instructed Fiddler to surrender, but he produced a gun and started shooting, causing Troopers to return fire and killing him at the scene.

The Hillsdale County deputy who was killed by Fiddler is the second police officer to lose their life while in the line of duty this week.