Suspect in U.S. shootings commits suicide

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http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/07/08/uk-usa-shooting-idUKTRE7670OE20110708

(Reuters) - A man suspected of killing seven people, including two children, in western Michigan on Thursday ended a hostage standoff with police by killing himself, authorities 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 at a house. One hostage was released earlier and the other two were safe, Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk said.

The suspect had said he wanted to give himself up, but while he was talking with negotiators about how he could surrender, "we heard a gunshot and it turned out to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head," Belk said.

"The hostages are outside. They are safe. The suspect is dead at the scene," he said.