© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Authorities: Robbery Suspect Dies After Being Shot By Police

Police Lights
publicdomainpictures

Authorities say an armed robbery suspect has died after being shot by police in southern Michigan.

Michigan State Police say five officers from Jackson-area departments fired at 47-year-old Kenneth Townley on Sunday afternoon in Jackson County's Blackman Township and he died at a hospital.

The Jackson Citizen Patriot reports state police Detective 1st Lt. Tom DeClercq says Townley robbed an area Dollar General store and also was suspected in a purse theft on Sunday.

DeClercq says the shooting involved two officers from the Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety, two from the Jackson Police Department and one from the Jackson County sheriff's department. WILX-TV reports they're on paid administrative leave.

An investigation is ongoing. DeClercq says some area homes were hit by gunfire, but no one else was hurt.

Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!