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Police ID suspect killed after shooting himself fleeing officers

Posted at 4:16 PM, Sep 03, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-03 17:53:06-04

RVA SHOOTING

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond police have released the name of the man who shot himself during an encounter with officers in the city’s East End Tuesday evening.

Officials announced Wednesday afternoon that 35-year-old Kevin L. Jones of Richmond was pronounced dead at 11:09 p.m.

Police said Jones was spotted driving a vehicle just before 7:30 p.m. that matched the description of one that was involved in a shooting incident at Fairfield Court a few minutes earlier. After a short pursuit, Jones abandoned the vehicle near the intersection of N. 22nd and Y streets and attempted to flee on foot. When confronted by officers, he shot himself once in the head.

Jones was transported to VCU Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:09 p.m.

The medical examiner will determine the exact cause and manner of death.

Because the self-inflicted shooting was fatal and took place in the presence of several officers, the department is conducting a full investigation into the case, which is protocol.

Some witnesses told police Tuesday night they thought that the officer fired the shot that killed Jones.  However, Richmond Police said there is no evidence to support those claims.

Witnesses told CBS 6 reporter Jake Burns the officer who allegedly witnessed the shooting was so distraught that two other policemen had to help her walk away from the scene.

Detectives have been speaking with witnesses, collecting and analyzing forensic evidence, and consulting with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The officers who responded have been questioned about what they saw and heard.

“I can assure you that this is the same type of investigation we would conduct into any incident of this type,” Richmond Police Chief Ray J. Tarasovic said. “We have in the past and we will in the future.”

The initial shooting call occurred at the intersection of 23rd Street and Fairfield Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing multiple shots fired at them from a passing vehicle.

If you have information that could help police, call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.

RELATED: Suspect fleeing Richmond Police shoots himself in the head