WILLCOX — The suspect in a law enforcement chase that started in Willcox, made its way into Graham County and back into Cochise County is in critical condition after reportedly shooting himself in the head.
The incident occurred Wednesday, March 23, at about 7:30 p.m., when Willcox Police responded to a call of a man allegedly making threats to his wife. The man was wanted for questioning in an ongoing case involving sexual abuse involving a minor.
Willcox officers, with Cochise County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the home to find the suspect had fled; however, the man returned home and was contacted by officers. Negotiations for surrender broke down and the suspect again fled, this time by ramming a deputy’s vehicle.
That led to a chase that wound its way eastbound on Interstate 10, north on U.S. Highway 191, and back again to I-10, where spike strips were unsuccessfully deployed.
On north B-10, another set of spike strips successfully flattened one of the suspect’s tires and a Department of Public Safety grappler was able to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
The suspect exited the vehicle, pointing a weapon at his own head, demanding the officers shoot him. During negotiations to surrender, the suspect reportedly fired the weapon and officers began life-saving measures until the man could be flown to a Tucson hospital by the DPS Ranger helicopter.
Willcox Police have not yet released the identity of the suspect, who is listed in critical condition as of Thursday.
