GRPD chief: Murder suspects death expected to be ruled a suicide

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.) Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom identified the murder suspect who died Thursday as Patrick Jones.

The GRPD also released dashcam and body camera video from Thursday's shootout that they warn is graphic.

Jones was facing charges related to the October 11th murder of Tamiqua Wright.

On Thursday afternoon officers went to the area of Jefferson Ave SE and Labelle SE after receiving a tip that Jones was in the area.

Winstrom says Jones began firing shots at officers and hit a GRPD cruiser several times.

Jones was pronounced dead in the 1400 block of Cass SE and Winstrom says Jone's death is expected to be ruled a suicide.

“No officers were in Jones’ immediate vicinity nor had discharged their weapons at the time a single gunshot was heard,” said Winstrom.

On Friday, Winstrom also clarified that only two officers fired shots back.

The third officer who was driving the police cruiser that was hit by the gunfire did not return gunfire.

All three officers are currently on paid administrative leave while the Michigan State Police investigate the incident.

According to GRPD, Jones was also a parole absconder for felonies related to a separate incident.

Investigators are also looking into who might have been helping Jones while he was hiding from police.

VNN will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.