BRANDON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has identified the veteran deputy hit and killed during a two-county pursuit on Thanksgiving morning.
Deputy Eric Overall was deploying Stop Sticks on M-15 at Seymore Lake Road in Oakland County’s Brandon Township when he was hit by the suspect’s vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators say Overall was “well off the roadway” when they believe the suspect deliberately swerved to hit him. The medical examiner ruled Overall’s death a homicide, saying the 50-year-old deputy died from blunt force trauma.
Overall was a 22-year veteran on the force. He leaves behind a wife and adult son.
“He had a great career here and touched a lot of lives,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told Detroit NBC affiliate WDIV. ”It’s the worst day in a law enforcement community when we lose one of our own on the front lines.”
It’s unclear what sparked the pursuit, which started in Lapeer County.
The suspect, a 22-year-old man from Macomb Township, was arrested at the scene. He remains in the Macomb County Jail.
Authorities are not releasing the driver’s name, but say he has four prior convictions for possessing marijuana and resisting and obstructing police.
Full Story on WOODTV8