A man shot and killed himself in a car he was driving after being stopped by Festus Police. The officers stopped the car because it was connected to a report of someone trespassing in the area of Gamel Cemetery Road and Hwy. CC, Chief Doug Wendel said.
He said the man was 44 years old and from St. Louis. He said officers were called about 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, about the alleged trespassing violation.
“After making contact with the driver, the officer went to his vehicle to check on the suspect’s driving status,” Wendel said. “While checking that, the suspect apparently had a handgun in his car and took his own life. He died at the scene.”
He said the trespassing call had been made only moments earlier from a residence in the Gamel Cemetery Road area.
“The officers were offered counseling,” Wendel said.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, resources are available to help.
Behavioral Health Response has a crisis line at 314-469-6644. Or you can reach out to Comtrea 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-877-COMTREA.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 988.
A crisis text line is available by texting HOME to 741741.
Resources also are available at 988lifeline.org.