BERRIEN SPRINGS — The suspect who died while in the custody of Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police has been identified.

The death of Jack Clement Lunneen, 51, of Berrien Springs, is currently under investigation by the Michigan State Police. The Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township officer and the Berrien County Sheriff’s deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is customary, pending the investigation of this incident. 

The investigation was spurred after police responded to a call at about 1:24 a.m. Monday to an address on W. Union St. in the Village of Berrien Springs on a report of a possible malicious destruction of property complaint. 

While speaking with the caller, Lunneen was seen in the area.  A Berrien County Sheriff’s deputy located him in the parking lot of the 5/3rd Bank on Cass Street in Berrien Springs. 

According to Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township police, Lunneen resisted arrest and had to be physically restrained and was eventually taken into custody. 

Officers called for an ambulance at the scene as the Lunneen was experiencing medical difficulties. He was transported to Lakeland Hospital where he was declared dead at approximately 2:30 a.m.

Updates will be made available as the investigation progresses.