Police Officer Mac J. Donnelly, Jr., Lansing Police Department, Michigan

Police Officer Mac J. Donnelly, Jr.

Lansing Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Thursday, June 16, 1977

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Mac J. Donnelly, Jr.

Police Officer Mac Donnelly was shot and killed by a bank robbery suspect while attempting to rescue four hostages from the Michigan National Bank at 300 Frandor Avenue in Lansing.

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.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 9 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

hostage, robbery

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 16, 2025