Suspect Who Opened Fire On Benton Harbor Police Killed In Shootout

BENTON HARBOR (WWJ) - Authorities say a suspect who opened fire on police has been killed in a shootout in southwest Michigan.

The incident unfolded around 2:15 a.m. Tuesday in the 900 block of Pavone in Benton Harbor, just a few blocks away from the high school.

Police say officers responded to the area after receiving a report about a man being held at gunpoint inside an unknown home. The caller didn't provide an address but described the house as having a certain type of vehicle in the driveway.

Officers identified a house that fit the general description but upon making contact, they discovered that no one from that residence called police. The residents were cooperative and allowed officers to check the house for any signs of trouble. After finding nothing suspicious, officers began to leave the home.

As they were exiting, police say an unknown subject emerged from the street and opened fire on the officers, firing multiple shots. As they ran for cover, one officer returned fire and struck the shooter, according to police.

The suspect, who was in possession of two guns, was taken to Lakeland Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

No officers were injured in the incident. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation.

The suspect's name has not yet been released. An autopsy is expected to be completed Tuesday in Grand Rapids.

Michigan State Police are investigating the incident.

Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest.