A Michigan sheriff’s deputy is dead after he was shot in a fight with a passenger during a traffic stop in Jefferson Township on Thursday.

Deputy William Henry Butler, Jr., 51, was a father of 5, a retired veteran, and had served with the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years, WTVG reported.

Michigan State Police said Butler was serving as backupt for a detective and a sergeant who conducting the traffic stop that led to the shooting. Authorities said the detective recognized the driver of the vehicle, who had warrants for his arrest. The detective called for backup, and Butler responded.

The passenger in the vehicle, identified as 34-year-old Michael Eric Fiddler, refused to identify himself, but the officers made the identification and learned he, too, had open warrants.

But when the officers tried to take him into custody, a fight broke out. The detective tried to tase Fiddler, but it didn’t work. He reportedly pulled out a gun and shot Butler, then ran.

Another deputy responded after hearing a shots fired call and took Butler to a hospital, where he died.

Federal and state agencies, including the FBI, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the Michigan State Police,  joined what turned out to be an hours-long hunt for Fiddler.

Four hours later, authorities spotted him walking in a field and tried to arrest him. He fired at a state police emergency services team, who returned fire and killed him.

“It’s not a high crime county and this joker that shot my deputy had two warrants,” said Sheriff Scott 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.”

Donations for Butler’s family can be made through the Hillsdale County Community Foundation.

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[Featured image: Deputy William Henry Butler Jr/Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office]