GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Police Department says a wanted homicide suspect is dead after a shootout with police that spanned multiple blocks Thursday afternoon.
Police say that six officers responded to a tip from Silent Observer involving a homicide suspect on Thursday.
Earlier this week, law enforcement put out an alert to be on the lookout for 30-year-old Patrick Jones, who is accused in the shooting death of Tamiqua Wright back on Oct. 11.
Officers say they first encountered the suspect in the area of Jefferson and La Belle. GRPD said the suspect immediately began firing at officers.
GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom said in a press conference that the suspect fled from police, firing rounds at officers over multiple blocks. He says the incident lasted about three minutes.
Officers found the suspect dead at the 1400 block of Cass Avenue. Chief Winstrom said it's not yet clear yet if the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or by rounds from officers returning fire.
Police say that no officers were injured during the incident.
At least three officers were said to have exchanged fire with the suspect during the chase. Chief Winstrom says that these officers will be put on administrative leave pending a Michigan State Police investigation.
Authorities said they do have body camera video from the incident, and it is expected to be released at a later date.
Police said they are holding off on naming the suspect. 13 ON YOUR SIDE talked to the family of Patrick Jones, who said they believe he was the man involved in the shootout.
Southeast Career Pathways in the GRPS school district was on lockdown and students have been dismissed early. School officials released the following statement about the incident:
"Southeast Career Pathways is dismissing early due to an emergency police situation near our school building. Busses are being brought in for students who take the bus to school."
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