In the quiet of a late Thursday afternoon in Jefferson Township, Michigan, a routine traffic stop escalated into a tragedy that would claim the life of a dedicated public servant. On June 27, 2024, Hillsdale County Sheriff's Deputy William Henry Butler Jr., a 51-year-old man and a respected veteran of both the armed forces and the sheriff's office, was shot and killed in the line of duty.
The incident began around 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Beecher and Lamb Road, where Deputy Butler was assisting another officer with a traffic stop. The passenger in the vehicle, later identified as 34-year-old Eric Michael Fiddler of Jonesville, was uncooperative and refused to provide his name. As deputies discovered Fiddler had outstanding warrants, they attempted to take him into custody. A struggle ensued, during which a taser was deployed with no effect. Fiddler then produced a handgun and fired, striking Deputy Butler. The suspect fled the scene on foot, leaving the wounded deputy behind. Deputy Butler was rushed to a nearby hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Following an intensive manhunt, authorities located Fiddler approximately two miles from the initial scene several hours later. When confronted by members of the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team and asked to surrender, Fiddler once again brandished a firearm and opened fire on the officers. The officers returned fire, fatally shooting Fiddler. The Michigan Department of Attorney General later determined that the troopers who shot Fiddler had acted in self-defense and in defense of their fellow officers, and no charges would be filed against them.
William Butler, known as 'Bill,' was a beloved figure in his community. He had served with the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office for 12 years and had a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Army National Guard, including a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Remembered as a dedicated family man, he is survived by his wife and five children. His death was mourned by law enforcement agencies across the state and by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who acknowledged his profound sacrifice.
