Eric Michael Fiddler Obituary – A deputy from the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Department was fatally shot during a traffic stop in the vicinity of Beecher and Lamb Roads southeast of Hillsdale on Thursday afternoon.
The individual responsible for shooting the deputy with a handgun was subsequently killed during an exchange of gunfire with the police.
The suspect has been identified as Eric Michael Fiddler and was considered armed and dangerous during the search operation, which involved the Sheriff’s Department, State Police K-9 units, and a State Police aircraft. According to the State Police, Fiddler had multiple warrants out for his arrest.
The deputy who was shot succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. Another deputy transported him to the hospital following the incident. Fiddler fled on foot and remained at large for several hours until he was located in a field near Culbert and Osseo Roads at approximately 6:15 p.m., as announced by the Michigan State Police.
Authorities instructed Fiddler to surrender, but he opened fire on the State Troopers. In response, they returned fire and fatally shot Fiddler, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The identity of the deputy has not been disclosed pending notification of his family members. This marks the first time since 1930 that a Hillsdale County police officer has lost their life in the line of duty.
