Multiple murder suspect ends hostage standoff by taking own life

A MAN suspected of killing seven people in a bloody rampage in Michigan ended a hostage standoff with police by shooting himself in the head, Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk said.

The suspect, Rodrick Shonte Dantzler, had engaged in a gun battle with police in downtown Grand Rapids and a high speed chase before taking three people hostage.

One hostage was released earlier and the other two were safe, Belk said.