(WHITE PIGEON) – An incident Friday morning led to the shooting death of a Three Rivers man.

Detective First Lieutenant Charles Christensen of the Michigan State Police Fifth District Special Investigation Section says at 12:37 AM Friday the Bristol Police Department was in pursuit of a vehicle that entered the Village of White Pigeon. During the chase, the suspect vehicle rammed into the police vehicle, at which time the Bristol officer fired his weapon.

The suspect sustained gunshot wounds. First aid was performed by police and medical personnel, but the suspect, identified as 46 year old David Sanders of Three Rivers, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Bristol officer received minor injuries in the incident. The officer has been placed on administrative leave.

Christensen says Michigan State Police have been requested to conduct an investigation into the incident. An autopsy was conducted by the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine. Ballistics and forensic testing will be completed by the State Police.

Christensen says once the investigation is completed, all information will be forwarded to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office for an independent review of the officer's actions.