Authorities have confirmed this morning that a man sought in connection with a Monday afternoon bank robbery was found dead inside the deer blind where he had sought refuge while engaged in a standoff with police.

After robbing the PNC bank in Meridian Township, the suspect is said to have fled on foot but a short time later entered a vehicle and proceeded to drive toward Shiawassee County on I-69.

A high speed chase ensued until the suspect vehicle drove into the median just west of exit 113, the Bancroft exit, off of Eastbound I-69. Shots were reportedly fired. The armed suspect fled on foot after his vehicle became stuck in the median, running into nearby woods and seeking shelter in a deer blind, where he stayed for hours as police attempted to apprehend him, even bringing in a helicopter, SWAT team and a negotiator.

At around 10:30pm a tactical deployment by the Michigan State Police brought the deer blind to the ground, where the suspect's body was discovered.  Authorities previously said they believed they knew who the man was but he was not carrying identification when his body was discovered.

The incident closed several roads in the area including eastbound I-69 for a period of time.

Numerous police departments assisted the Shiawassee County Sheriff's Department in their efforts, including Bancroft, Durand, Perry and Corunna, as well as the Michigan State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On Tuesday morning, Shiawassee Township Supervisor, Anthony Karhoff, said in a statement "I would like to commend all the emergency personnel that secured the scene on Grand River Rd Monday. The residents of Shiawassee Township are thankful for the amazing law enforcement officers we have... Special Thank You to Sheriff George Braidwood on providing and protecting our citizens endlessly."

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