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Suspect fleeing Richmond Police shoots himself in the head

Posted at 9:26 PM, Sep 02, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-02 23:45:30-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia State Police and Richmond Police are on scene in the 1800 block of North 22nd Street, where it intersects Y Street,  in the East End of Richmond.

Earlier Tuesday evening a domestic call was placed for a disturbance at a home in the 2100 block of Phaup Street, near Fairfield, police on scene said. A person took off from that home in a vehicle.

Police took pursuit.  Officers say the suspect exited the vehicle at an alley at 21st and Fairfield. The event occurred in a four-block radius.

He took off on foot, then stopped running, produced a gun and shot himself in the head, police said.

The adult male is currently at VCU Medical, in critical condition.

Fairfield residents and witnesses speculate that the wound was caused by a police officer.

"I can tell you right now that nothing points to any officer firing, but we will go through the investigation... until there is no speculation," said Major Steve Drew.

All aspects of the incident will be investigated, police said. The Commonwealth's Attorney will aid in this investigation.