Lansing Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch: Thursday, June 16, 1977
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 16, 1977
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Police Officer Mac Donnelly was shot and killed by a bank robbery suspect while attempting to rescue four hostages.
Officer Donnelly rammed the suspect's vehicle with his patrol car as the man tried to flee from the bank with his hostages. The suspect shot him as he stepped out of his car. Officer Donnelly was able to return fire wounding the suspect.
All of the hostages were freed during the attempt. One of the hostages, the bank manager was shot in the hand when he tried to wrestle the gun away from the suspect. The suspect, two other men and a woman, were taken into custody.
The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Donnelly was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and had served with the Lansing Police Department for nine years. He was the father of five children.