Michigan shooter commits suicide to end hostage scene, 7 killed

Michigan shooter commits suicide to end hostage scene, 7 killed

2011-07-08 21:03:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (BNO NEWS) -- At least seven people were killed during a series of shootings in the state of Michigan on Thursday, before the killer committed suicide, officials said Friday.

Rodrick Shonte Dantzler, 34, shot and killed seven people - including five women, one man, and a 10-year-old girl - in two different homes in the northeast side of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Police Chief Kevin Belk told WZZM.

Local authorities began searching for Dantzler throughout the city with the help of a Michigan State Police helicopter, and after being located, a dangerous high-speed car chase began on I-96 in downtown Grand Rapids. The chase caused two other vehicles to crash, as Dantzler repeatedly shot at police. At least two people were shot at, although their wounds were not fatal.

The violent car chase ended when Dantzler exited the vehicle, ran off while police continued the pursuit on foot, and entered a residential home near the scene of one of the previous shootings. Three people were held hostage, including a 53-year-old woman, who was later let free.

According to Belk, police officers were able to enter the house where Dantzler continued to hold two hostages, threatening to shoot them, and asking officers to open fire. Suddenly, Dantzler fatally shot himself in the head, ending the hostage scene at around 11 p.m. local time.

The shootings are said to be related, as police said Dantzler had a previous relationship with at least one of the fatal victims in each of the homes. However, the reason behind the shooting remains uncertain.

Dantzler had a previous criminal record that included felony assault less than murder, misdemeanor assault and battery, domestic violence and breaking and entering. 

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