It’s a sad day for families in the Grand Rapids area, as everyone is trying to make sense of the events that occurred on Thursday: A man killed five adults and two children, then led police on a dangerous high-speed chase before taking three hostages, barricading himself, and eventually ending the standoff by committing suicide.
The gunman, 34-year-old Rodrick Shonte Dantzler, has no reported motive, nor have his relationships with the victims been revealed yet.
Some excellent police work from the Michigan State Police as well as local officers ensured that nobody else got hurt after the initial rampage. Shots were fired from the man during the high speed chase, but two people escaped with minor injuries.
Police cordoned off the neighborhood where the gunman barricaded himself and shut down a part of Interstate 96. During the standoff, officers evacuated some residents and told others to stay in their homes.
We extend our sincerest condolences to the victims’ families and anyone else affected by this tragedy. We also commend the Michigan State Police and Grand Rapids Police on helping to prevent further injury.
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