Officials identify deputy shot and killed in Hillsdale County, suspect dead from shootout with police
JEFFERSON TWP., Mich. (WTVG) - A Hillsdale County deputy is dead and the man who allegedly shot him was later killed in a shootout with police after a manhunt, police said.
Deputy William Henry Butler Jr., 51, was shot and killed. He was serving as a backup for a detective and sergeant with the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office who was conducting a traffic stop at the time of the shooting.
“Deputy William Butler was a great police officer, a retired veteran of the Armed forces and a great friend to all,” a statement from the sheriff’s office said. “William Butler will never be forgotten.”
He was a husband and father of five, Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire tells 13 Action News. He served with the department for 12 years, according to Michigan State Police.
According to authorities, the detective recognized a 33-year-old driver who had warrants for his arrest passing by near Lamb Road and Beecher Road in Jefferson Township just before 2:30 p.m. on June 27.
The name of the driver is being withheld, Hillsdale County officials said. Michael Eric Fiddler, 34, was the passenger in the vehicle that was pulled over.
The detective who initiated the traffic stop called out his stop and Deputy Butler helped as backup. Fiddler wouldn’t give the officials his name, but the they were able to identify him and found he had a warrant out for his arrest.
While the officials tried to arrest Fiddler, a fight broke out. The detective who started the traffic stop tried to tase Fiddler, but it didn’t work. Fiddler allegedly pulled out the gun from his waist band, shot Butler, and ran away.
After hearing the shots fired call, another deputy responded to the scene and took Butler to the hospital. He died from his injuries.
Numerous law enforcement agencies were involved in an hours-long manhunt for Fiddler, including the FBI, the ATF and MSP.
About four hours after the shooting, authorities found him walking in a field around 6:15 pm near Culbert and Osseo Road South where they tried to arrest him. Officials said Fiddler shot at MSP’s emergency services team, who then returned fire, striking and killing Fiddler.
A statement from Sheriff Hodshire on Friday thanked the support from police agencies that responded to the scene, including MSP, ATF, DNR, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Morenci Police, Somerset Police, Reading Police, Litchfield Police and others. He also thanked the public who offered food and support.
“I am proud to have a great community in which I live in that comes together in times of tragedy,” Sheriff Hodshire wrote in a statement. “In the weeks and months ahead please keep the Butler family in your prayers.”
The sheriff tells us the last time the department had a law enforcement official die in the line of duty was 1939.
“It’s not a high crime county and this joker that shot my deputy had two warrants,” said Sheriff Hodshire. “He ends up taking the life of one of my deputies who has five kids and a wife? That’s sad to know there are people out there like that.”
The sheriff said he’s known Butler for 25 years and the entire department is grieving the loss.
Michigan’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said her heart goes out to Butler’s family.
“Dedicated officers like Deputy Butler work hard every day to keep Michiganders safe, and his sacrifice will not be forgotten,” Whitmer said in a social media post.
The services for Butler are expected to be held at Hillsdale College sometime next week.
Those looking to donate to Butler’s family can do so through the Hillsdale County Community Foundation at the link here.
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