On June 16, 1977, 35-year-old Lansing Police Officer Mac J. Donnelly Jr. was shot and killed while intervening in a bank robbery and hostage situation at Michigan National Bank, 300 Frandor Avenue. A nine-year veteran of the Lansing Police Department and a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Officer Donnelly rammed the suspect’s vehicle with his patrol car to stop an escape carrying four hostages. As he exited his vehicle the suspect shot him; Officer Donnelly returned fire and wounded the assailant. All four hostages were released; the bank manager suffered a gunshot wound to the hand during a struggle with the suspect.

The suspect and three others — two men and a woman — were taken into custody, and the primary suspect was later convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Donnelly, a father of five, was honored for his bravery, and the Lansing City Council authorized the purchase of bulletproof vests for the police force after his death.