A Hillsdale County, Michigan, sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Thursday afternoon during a traffic stop. The suspect is dead.
Officials say Eric Michael Fiddler fatally shotDeputy William Henry Butler Jr. around 2 p.m.
Deputy William Henry Butler Jr., 51, was on scene assisting a detective sergeant with the traffic stop when he was killed. Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire said the detective sergeant recognized that the driver had outstanding warrants.
A Hillsdale County, Michigan, sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed Thursday afternoon during a traffic stop. The suspect is dead.
Officials say Eric Michael Fiddler fatally shotDeputy William Henry Butler Jr. around 2 p.m.
Deputy Butler, 51, was on scene assisting a detective sergeant with the traffic stop when he was killed. Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire said the detective sergeant recognized that Fiddler had outstanding warrants, WILX reports.
Fiddler fled the scene after the shooting and an hours-long manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies ensued, WDIV reports.
Michigan State Police officers found Fiddler hiding in a field around 6:15 p.m.
Michigan State Police said they instructed Fiddler to surrender, but he produced a gun and started shooting, causing Troopers to return fire, killing him at the scene.
Deputy Butler is survived by his wife and three children.

Tasmanian Tiger has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, an open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment.
Read More →
Whether it’s time to buy a personal patrol light or make the decision for the next department-issued patrol light, what do you need to know? How do you weigh the different variables and make the best choice?
Read More →
Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.
Read More →
Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.
Read More →
A collaboration between Motorola Solutions and T-Mobile helps deliver uninterrupted situational awareness and access to AI wherever the mission leads, enabled by satellite connectivity for Motorola Solutions' APX NEXT smart radios.
Read More →
Registration is now open for the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit. The Summit is an opportunity to connect with local and federal leaders, specifically the FirstNet Authority, which is hosting a track at the event this year.
Read More →
Tasmanian Tiger has expanded its Modular Load-Carrying System with the new Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 and Modular Chest Rig Pack. Both provide adaptable, low-profile load options for military, law enforcement, and SWAT missions.
Read More →
ZeroEyes has launched three new product categories to extend beyond firearms to address additional acute safety threats and basic security needs. Knife detection and suspect tracking are now also available.
Read More →
GALLS has acquired CMS Uniforms and Equipment, Inc., a prominent regional provider based in Nashville, Tennessee. CMS Uniforms, founded in 2000, has built a reputation for delivering stellar customer service and managing complex uniform programs for more than 670 accounts.
Read More →
Brinc’s new Guardian delivers 24/7 operations, Starlink connectivity, and a robotic charging nest that can swap batteries and change payload configurations without human intervention.
Read More →