The Garland Police Department is investigating a tragic incident involving a self-inflicted gunshot death that occurred during a traffic stop.
On Nov. 18, at approximately 11 p.m., a Garland police officer conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of Bay Shore Drive for observed traffic violations. The vehicle was occupied by three individuals.
During the course of the stop, the officer developed probable cause to suspect that the occupants were in possession of narcotics. During the investigation, the front passenger unexpectantly exited the vehicle and fled on foot. A backup officer initiated a foot pursuit of the individual.
Within moments, a single gunshot was heard, and the fleeing individual collapsed. Officers provided life-saving measures until the Garland Fire Department arrived on scene. The individual was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The investigation determined that during the pursuit, the fleeing individual sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. A loaded firearm was recovered next to the individual, which was confirmed to have been stolen out of Plano.
No officer discharged a firearm during this incident.
At this time, it is unknown whether the gunshot wound was intentional or accidental. The officer’s body-worn camera was activated throughout the incident.
The department is currently withholding the identities of the driver, rear passenger and the deceased front passenger, pending notification of the deceased’s next of kin.