Rodrick Dantzler, 34, a suspect in seven murders in Northeast Grand Rapids, Michigan, is seen in this handout photo released by the Grand Rapids, Michigan Police Department July 7, 2011. A man suspected of killing seven people was surrounded by police on Thursday in a house in the western Michigan city and possibly holding two hostages, authorities said. [Photo/Agencies]

CHICAGO - Police confirmed that two people have been held hostage by a suspected killer of seven in Grand Rapids, a southwest Michigan city Thursday night, the Grand Rapids Press reported.

Seven people, including two women and a child, were fatally shot in related shootings at two homes in the city.

Dozens of police officers had descended on a city neighborhood shortly after 8 pm local time (2400 GMT). State Police Lt Col Gary Gorski said police have surrounded the suspect and advised residents to stay in their homes.

Describing the murder suspect Rodrick Dantzler, 34, armed with a handgun "highly agitated," police confirmed that a man and a woman, were taken hostage inside an apartment near the Plainfield Avenue and I-96.

The manhunt began after four people were found dead in a Grand Rapids home and three others in another town, and the killing rampage appears to stem from domestic issues, police said.

Police officers were reportedly involved in a chase at around 7 pm local time (2300 GMT), through downtown Grand Rapids to northbound US 131 roadway and then eastbound I-96.

Shots were fired during the manhunt and from inside the apartment where hostages were taken.

A man believed to be the father of a young shooting victim collapses in the street as he learns about the death of his daughter after seven shooting victims were found at two different locations in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 7, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]