Suicide On I-275 Led to 3-Vehicle Crash, Police Say

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The St. Petersburg Police Department is investigating the Sunday death of a 57-year-old Largo man.

According to police, Leonard de la Garza Jr. of Largo was heading northbound on Interstate 275 just after midnight. Police say de la Garza pulled out a handgun and committed suicide while driving north near the 54th Avenue North exits. When he fired the shot, police say de la Garza’s vehicle swerved into the path of two other northbound cars.

De la Garza was pronounced dead at the scene. No serious injuries were reported in to the other two vehicles, police say. The names of the other motorists have not been released.

With an estimated 42,773 suicides reported in the United States in 2014, this cause of death ranks 10th in the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources available to help.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). Its website offers services including a live chat.

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