Stolen vehicle suspect dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot after Tempe standoff

PHOENIX — A standoff outside of a convenience store in Tempe on Wednesday morning concluded after the suspect was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.

The situation began around 9 a.m. at the Circle K gas station at Priest and Baseline roads, when two deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle reported stolen from Washington state, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Williams Jinks said during a press conference.

When the deputies approached the driver, he allegedly pulled out a firearm. The deputies then took cover and called for backup, Jinks said.

Officers from the Tempe Police Department then responded to the scene, along with Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers and crews from the Tempe Fire Department.

Details of standoff outside Tempe Circle K

Tempe police boxed the vehicle in to keep the suspect inside and ensure safety at the scene

After multiple commands were given to the suspect to exit the vehicle and a gunshot was heard, a drone was deployed, which showed that the suspect was not moving.

An MCSO K9 then approached the vehicle and the suspect was found dead, Jinks said.

The suspect never left the vehicle during the incident and no law enforcement officers fired shots, the spokesman added.

The investigation into the case is underway.

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