Police investigate attempted suicide in patrol car

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile police said just before 9 p.m., they were called to this home on Woodbend Drive after a report of domestic violence. When officers arrived, they arrested a put a 51-year-old man.

Police said the man was in handcuffs, in the back of a patrol car.

"While the officers were doing their paperwork outside of the car, the subject has a weapon, a gun, hidden somewhere on his body. He retrieved the weapon; and in an attempt to commit suicide or to injure himself, he pulled that weapon and shot himself," said Chief Micheal T. Williams.

The man was rushed to USA Medical Center. Williams said at last check the man's condition was stable.

Now, Williams is thinking about what could have happened, and what can be done.

"We are investigating. Our CID units and internal affairs units are investigating the sequence of events, and the investigation will be able to tell me whether the officers followed procedure," Williams said.

Williams said two knives were retrieved from the suspect. He said he cannot confirm where the gun was hidden on the suspect or what kind of gun it was. Williams did say, however, officers were addressed this morning.

"We need to go back through roll call training and reiterate the way we conduct our searches and the manner in which we conduct them and when we don't do it right what can happen," said Williams.

No names have been released in this incident. Williams said the suspect was under the influence of alcohol when he was taken into custody.
.