Hillsdale County Sheriff identifies deputy shot, killed in the line of duty
HILLSDALE COUNTY, Mich. (WILX) - The Hillsdale County deputy who was shot and killed Thursday afternoon has been identified by the sheriff.
Previous coverage: Police across Michigan react to tragic Hillsdale County Deputy death
Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire said Deputy William Henry Butler Jr., 51, was serving as a backup for a detective sergeant with the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office who was conducting a traffic stop at the time of the shooting.
According to Michigan State Police, on June 27 at approximately 2:15 p.m., a detective sergeant with the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office discovered a vehicle driven by a man with active warrants. A deputy sergeant then began a traffic stop on the car near Beecher and Lamb roads. The car’s driver was arrested and placed in a patrol car. Eric FIddler, the man accused of killing Butler, was a passenger in the vehicle. Fiddler initially refused to identify himself, but he was eventually recognized by an officer on-scene.
Deputies attempted to arrest Fiddler, but the suspect fought back. Fiddler then pulled out a handgun and began firing, hitting Butler. Deputies returned fire and Fiddler ran. Deputies put Butler in their patrol vehicles and took him to Hillsdale Hospital. Unfortunately, Butler passed away a short time later.
Officers from multiple police agencies searched for Fiddler. Aviation units, K9 Units and other support teams combed the area before finding Fiddler.
The suspect was found in a field near Culbert Rd and Osseo Rd at approximately 6:15. Fiddler was ordered to surrender. Instead, he opened fire. Troopers shot back, killing him instantly. No troopers were hurt.
MSP officials are investigating the shooting of Deputy Butler.
He was 51 years old. Butler, an armed forces veteran, is survived by his wife and three children.
Fiddler allegedly shot and killed Butler on June 27 just after 2 p.m. in the area of Beecher Road and Lamb Road in Hillsdale County. Fiddler ran from the scene. Michigan State Police told News 10 that Fiddler was found at around 6:15 p.m. Thursday and was fatally shot by officers.
The Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office hasn’t had an officer die in the line of duty in nearly 100 years.
Hodshire said a memorial for Butler is planned for Tuesday or Wednesday.
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