Man Dies from Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound After Leading Police on Chase

Photo byBenjamin Lehman via Unsplash

LURAY, Va. – After leading police on a high-speed chase, an unidentified man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Friday.

According to an emailed press release from the Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the incident occurred September 13, 2024.

At approximately 9:12 a.m., the Page County Emergency Communications Center received an alert from the Rappahannock County Sheriff's Office in reference to a possible suicidal male that was believed to be headed toward Page County.

The alert indicated that the male subject could possibly be armed with a handgun and rifles.

At approximately 10:13 a.m., a PCSO deputy encountered the subject’s vehicle traveling erratically and recklessly on Bixler's Ferry Road, near Airport Road.

The deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the subject initiated a pursuit.

During the pursuit, the deputy observed the driver brandishing a firearm.

At approximately 10:27 a.m., the subject’s vehicle came to an abrupt stop on 211 West between US 340 and Crisman Hollow Road.

Deputies attempted to establish communication with the driver from a distance, but with no success.

A drone was soon deployed to observe the interior of the vehicle. When deputies approached, they found a deceased male in the driver's seat with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

PCSO investigators responded, and US 211 remained closed for approximately three hours as they processed the scene.

The victim's body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy and identification. At this time, no additional details will be released regarding this incident.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case should contact 1st Sergeant Jarrett Hall, or Captain Tim Lansberry of the Page County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at (540) 743-6571.