The Oakland County Sheriff's Office says the suspect who killed a deputy early Thursday morning targeted the deputy.
- Wife of slain Oakland Co. deputy: Massive turnout at vigil is 'amazing'
- Deputy killed in line of duty was dad, 22-year veteran of Oakland County Sheriff's Office
- Oakland County Sheriff's deputy hit and killed during chase
- Man shares story of how fallen Oakland County deputy saved his life
According to the sheriff's office, the driver "deliberately ran down" 50-year-old Eric Overall, a 22-year veteran of the force.
"Here we have Thanksgiving Day and a family that will never be the same," said Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
The Lapeer County Sheriff's Office says the pursuit started when the suspect made threats that posed an imminent risk to the public in the parking lot of the county jail. The chase went from Lapeer County and continued west on I-69 to southbound M-15 and then entered Oakland County into Brandon Township.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office says Overall was just assisting with the chase when he was killed around 12:30 a.m.
Overall had already deployed stop sticks at the intersection of M-15 and Seymour Lake Road and was off of the road when he was struck by the suspect, according to the sheriff's office.
The sheriff's office says evidence suggests the suspect "deliberately ran down" Overall, swerving to hit him.
The sheriff's office says the suspect's vehicle rolled over and the man, reportedly in his 20s from Macomb Township, was taken into custody at the scene.
Overall was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Bouchard said he was very beloved and many visited at the hospital early this morning.
"He did a lot of good -- not just in the community, but for family and friends," said Bouchard.
Overall was the former liaison officer at Walled Lake Central High School. The district released the following statement after being notified of his passing:
"Walled Lake Schools is grateful for many years of service from Deputy Overall. He was a courageous and selfless police officer. Our sympathies go out to his family."
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Overall's family during this difficult time. You can donate here.
