HILLSDALE COUNTY — Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire identified the deputy sheriff killed Thursday, June 27, in the line of duty as Dep. William Butler Jr., 51.
An updated news release issued by the Michigan State Police Friday afternoon stated an investigation was still ongoing.
According to police, a detective sergeant from the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Department noticed the driver of a vehicle with active warrants.
A deputy sergeant with the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle on Beecher Rd near Lamb Rd. Thursday afternoon around 2:15 p.m. The vehicle was being driven by a 33-year-old male. Eric Michael Fiddler, 34, was a passenger in the vehicle.
Deputy William Butler Jr., arrived on scene to assist with the traffic stop, police said.
The driver was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant and placed in a patrol vehicle.
Fiddler, who had yet to be identified, refused to identify himself and was removed from the vehicle. Fiddler was then identified by one of the officers on scene. Deputies attempted to take Fiddler into custody when a fight ensued.
During the fight Fiddler produced a handgun from his waistband and fired, striking Butler. Deputies returned fire at which time Fiddler fled on foot.
Deputies immediately placed Butler in their patrol car and took him to Hillsdale Hospital where he died from his injuries.
Officers from numerous agencies converged on the area in search of Fiddler and to setup a perimeter. At approximately 6:15 p.m. troopers located Fiddler in a field near Culbert Rd and Osseo Rd S.
Fiddler was ordered to surrender and fired a weapon at troopers who then returned fire killing Fiddler. No troopers were injured during the engagement. The MSP First District Investigations Section is conducting the investigation into the shooting of Deputy Butler. The MSP 5th District Special Investigation Section is conducting the investigation into the shooting of Eric Fiddler
Butler had served as a deputy sheriff for 12 years in total. He left the department earlier on in his life to serve his country in the Michigan Army National Guard and returned as a road patrol deputy after his military retirement.
Hillsdale County Prosecutor Neal Brady confirmed Friday morning Fiddler had an active warrant for his arrest at the time for larceny less than $200, a misdemeanor crime punishable by 93 days in jail.
In 2018, Fiddler was convicted of use of narcotics and resisting arrest and sentenced to 30 days in jail.
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Funeral services for Butler will take place Wednesday, July 3 at 11 a.m. at Christ Chapel on Hillsdale College’s campus with Jeremiah Hodshire officiating. Intermittent will follow at Lake View Cemetery in Hillsdale.
A fund in the Butler family name has been established at the Hillsdale County Community Foundation for those wishing to donate to the family.
Butler leaves behind a wife and three small children.
— Contact Reporter Corey Murray atcmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @cmurrayHDN.
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