Once Arrested, Driver with Suspended License Proceeds to Shoot and Kill Himself

BIG SPRING, TX — A person being detained by police managed to shoot and kill him or herself while in police custody.

According to Police Chief Chad Williams of the Big Spring Police Department, one of his officers conducted a traffic stop at 2:35 p.m. in the 100 block of W. 16th St. in Big Spring. The officer discovered the driver was operating his or her vehicle with a suspended license and proceeded place the person under arrest.

Sometime during the investigation at the scene, the detainee wrestled out a concealed handgun on his or her person and fired one shot. The bullet struck the detainee, police said. The gunshot happened at 3:15 p.m., police said.

The officer at the scene immediately called for an ambulance and the shooting victim was transported to Scenic Mountain Medical Center for treatment. The detainee died at the hospital from the bullet wound, police said.

The Texas Rangers were immediately notified to investigate the in-custody death and the Big Spring Police Department will be conducting a concurrent internal administrative investigation on the incident, the chief stated.

The Big Spring Police Department Criminal Investigations Division is working to notify the next-of-kin. More information may be released once next-of-kin are notified.