Police chase ends in death

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Clay County Sheriff’s deputies were attempting to stop a driver in the Coalmont area for false and fictitious vehicle registration. After a chase, the driver shot himself and later died of his injuries in spite of attempts to save his life.

The chase began Monday around 9:45 p.m. As a Clay County Deputy turned on his red and blue emergency lights, the driver, later identified as William W. Ward, age 39, stopped briefly before leading the deputy on a slow speed pursuit that lasted nearly 45 minutes and ended in Northeast Sullivan County.

Officers who had joined the pursuit prepared to deploy stop sticks in an attempt to disable the vehicle.

While approaching the stop sticks, the driver stopped and a single gunshot was heard.

Officers took cover and then realized the shot was not aimed at them.

Police began lifesaving measures and Ward was transported to Regional Hospital where he later died of the self-inflicted gunshot.

Several agencies were involved in the incident and the investigation is ongoing.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: