HILLSDALE, Mich. – (Michigan News Source) – A Hillsdale County Sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed during a traffic stop Thursday afternoon near the small town of Osseo, as confirmed by Michigan State Police (MSP).

The incident began when deputies pulled over a vehicle and made contact with the subject, Eric Fiddler. According to MSP Lt. Rene Gonzalez, Fiddler was known to police, had a criminal history, and “a couple of warrants for his arrest.” Officials said Fiddler then pulled a gun and shot the deputy, whose name has not been released. Another deputy on scene took the injured deputy to Hillsdale Hospital where he later died.

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Lt. Gonzalez says the shooter took off running. That triggered a search from MSP aviation, K-9s, Hillsdale Sheriff’s Department, and the MSP SWAT team. They eventually made contact with Fiddler after about 4 hours. Fiddler was found in a field about two miles from the traffic stop location. MSP says Fiddler fired on the troopers; they returned fire and killed him.

MSP has taken over the investigation. The deputy’s name is expected to be released on Friday by Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire.