By Staff
NILES - Harold L. Primley Jr.'s March 30 death resulted from a heart attack, the Michigan State Police announced Wednesday.
Primley, 48, who operated Dowagiac Auto Service Center, collapsed and died March 30 after a physical altercation with a neighboring businessman, James R. Allen, 52, of Dowagiac Auto Sales.
State troopers from the Michigan State Police post at Niles and Cass County sheriff's deputies responded to a reported fight in progress near the businesses on M-51 South.
After the investigation of the alleged assault took place, Primley collapsed at his business.
Emergency first aid was provided to Primley by responding officers and ambulance personnel.
Primley was later pronounced dead at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac.
A thorough investigation of both parties involved in the assault was conducted by troopers from the Niles post, along with an autopsy request.
Det. Sgt. Fabian Suarez arranged for an autopsy at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids on April 3.
Results of that autopsy indicated Primley died of a heart attack, with a 90-percent blockage in a coronary artery.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor A. Fitz reviewed police reports on the assault and the autopsy results.