The Berrien County Sheriff's Department has apprehended a murder suspect after a morning manhunt.
Around 8 a.m. Thursday morning, a Michigan State Police trooper tried to stop a speeding vehicle on US 12. The driver, 41-year-old Ronald Edwards Smith of Niles, refused to stop, and fled in his vehicle.
Smith finally abandoned the vehicle near the Stevens Motel on M-51. Officers learned the vehicle was stolen, and Smith is wanted in Hickory Hills, IL as part of a homicide investigation.
Smith was pursued on foot and over 60 law enforcement officers from numerous agencies helped in the search.
He was finally located in a tree behind the Rural King Store, near the intersection of 13th and Ontario. Smith was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment.
A second individual was found in the room at the Stevens Motel at Smith had also occupied. Authorities found evidence of narcotics and counterfeit currency.
As a result of the manhunt, Brandywine school officials made the decision to put all four schools in the district under lockdown while authorities searched for Smith.
School officials say the lockdown lasted from around 9:45 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Thursdaymorning.
Christ the King School in South Bend was also briefly under lockdown. School officials heard about the search and immediately brought in all students who were outside the building at the time. Shortly after going into lockdown, school officials learned authorities apprehended Smith.
We'll have more on this story both online and on NewsCenter 16 at 5:30.
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