ORTONVILLE, Mich. – Visitation was held Monday for the Oakland County deputy who was killed trying to stop a man being pursued by police.
Hundreds gathered Sunday night in the small town of Ortonville to honor Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Overall.
Ortonville is the kind of town where everyone knows everybody. It's clear many knew Overall.
"This is mind-blowing, to say the least, to see the outpouring of love and support from the sheriff and department. It's been a Godsend," said Overall's widow, Sonja Overall.
Visitation: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Mt. Zion Church, located at 4900 Maybee Rd, Independence Township, MI 48348
Funeral: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28. Service at Mt. Zion Church, located at 4900 Maybee Rd, Independence Township, MI 48348 -- Doors open at 09:30 AM Service Starts at 11:00 AM
Eric Overall was 50 years old when he was killed on duty early Thanksgiving morning. Authorities say Christopher Berak, 22, went to both the Lapeer County Jail and Thumb Correctional Facility claiming to be God. He wanted to break his follower out of jail.
When deputies tried to talk to the man, he drove at them. They had to drive out of his way. A chase ensued from I-69 to M-15 and Seymour Lake Road. That's where Overall put out stop spikes. Authorities say Berak turned 90 degrees to intentionally hit Overall.
"More than one of his deputy colleagues that work in the substation said he would rather give his life than have that chase continue down the road and kill someone else," said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
That's a statement shared by Overall's widow who knows her loss is one for the entire community, too.
"He is going to missed by so many. My heart not only hurts for the community and department, it's not just me affected by tragedy," she said.
Gov. Rick Snyder ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff Tuesday in honor of Overall.
"Deputy Overall was a deeply devoted police officer and his passing leaves a void not just in his department, but in the law enforcement community," Snyder said. "Sue and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Eric's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time."