Flint man accused in marijuana robbery shootout found dead in jail

A 48-year-old Flint man accused of playing a role in Sunday's attempted robbery of a medical marijuana grow operation and subsequent shootout that left two dead has been found dead in the Sanilac County Jail.

Sanilac County Sheriff Garry Biniecki said Stephen Vance Shimmel hanged himself Tuesday night.

He said Shimmel was the only person in the cell. The cell is under video surveillance and is checked by deputies on a regular basis. The time between the last time he was seen moving and the cell check when Shimmel was found hanging was about 15 minutes.

Deputies freed Shimmel and worked to revive him until EMS arrived. He was pronounced dead about 10 p.m.

"We are saddened by this unfortunate incident and offer our condolences to the family," Biniecki said. "We are working diligently to answer the family's questions with transparency to bring them closure."

Shimmel and Preston Xavier Jack, 30, of Flint, were arraigned Tuesday afternoon on 11 charges each, according to Sanilac County District Court.

Both men had been charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, carjacking, two counts of assault with intent to rob while armed, armed robbery, first-degree home invasion, firearms possession by a felon, receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle, and using a firearm during a felony, according to Sanilac County District Court.

Bond was denied for both men. They were to have probable cause conferences at 10 a.m. Nov 28 and preliminary exams at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5.

According to the Offender Tracking Information System, Shimmel has served prison time on charges including breaking and entering a building with intent, assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and larceny from a person. He was discharged from the Michigan Department of Corrections in February.

Police said the homeowner called 911 about 5 a.m. Sunday from the 4300 block of Holbrook Road in Greenleaf Township.

The homeowner and another man were inside the residence when three men entered, according to police. A gunfight ensued, leaving the homeowner with a gunshot to the leg, and two suspects dead. A fourth suspect was on the scene but not seen by the homeowner.

One suspect was found dead in the home, while a second suspect was found dead inside a vehicle found in a ditch on Holbrook Road near Germania Road. Police said the vehicle was reported stolen out of the Flint area in October.

The Sanilac County Sheriff Department has identified the deceased as Quantize Bruce, 20, and Keith Saunders, 26, both of Flint.

Biniecki said the homeowner was released from the hospital Sunday.

Contact Liz Shepard at (810) 989-6273 or lshepard@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @lvshepard.