Police: Michigan shooting suspect commits suicide

This photo provided by the Grand Rapids police via WOOD-TV shows 34-year-old Rodrick Dantzler, who police are searching for in connection with shootings at two homes in Grand Rapid, Mich. that left seven dead, including a child, on Thursday, July 7, 2011. (AP Photo/Grand Rapids Police via The Grand Rapids Press)

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk says the man suspected in seven Michigan shooting deaths has killed himself and two hostages he was holding are safe.

Belk said 34-year-old Rodrick Shonte Dantzler fatally shot himself inside a home where here had been holding the hostages Thursday night.

Dantzler had released a 53-year-old female hostage unharmed earlier in the evening. Two other hostages had remained in the home.

A manhunt for Dantzler began after four people were found dead in one Grand Rapids home and three were found in another across town. Belk says the dead included two children.

The frantic search included a high-speed chase through downtown Grand Rapids during which Belk says the suspect shot two other people. They did not suffer life-threatening injuries.