Fleeing motorcylist dead after single gunshot, crash off I-35
FOREST LAKE, Minn. (KMSP) - A man who was fleeing police after a gun-related incident in Oak Grove, Minn. crashed his motorcycle into a fence off Interstate 35 in Forest Lake, Minn., and then shot himself, according to police in Wyoming, Minn.
Wyoming Police officers attempted to stop the motorcycle around 10:09 p.m. Monday after receiving information that the driver fled police in Anoka County, stemming from an incident in the city of Oak Grove involving the brandishing of a handgun. The 38-year-old man from Coon Rapids failed to stop for officers and led police on a 5-mile chase that ended in a crash in the wayside rest area off I-35.
Preliminary reports indicate the motorcyclist fired a single shot from the handgun after crashing his motorcycle, and before officers could exit their squads. The man was pronounced dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There were no shots fired by officers involved in the incident.
Forest Lake police, the Minnesota State Patrol and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner are assisting with the investigation.
Help is available
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 800-273-8255. The hotline has trained staff available 24/7 to help those in crisis. Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide by being aware of the warning signs of suicidal behaviors:
- Talking about wanting to die; feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain, being a burden to others
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
What you can do
If you believe someone is at risk of suicide:
- Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. (This will not put the idea into their heads, or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide)
- Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional;
- Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and
- If possible, do not leave the person alone.
Resources:
samhsa.gov/nssp
actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/NSSP
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
sprc.org