HILLSDALE, Mich. – (Michigan News Source) – Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire has identified Deputy William Butler, 51, a husband and father of 5, as the deputy killed in the shooting yesterday.
He was shot and killed during a traffic stop Thursday afternoon near the small town of Osseo, as confirmed by Michigan State Police (MSP).
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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.
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.
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