VA Driver Dies After Shooting Self During Traffic Stop: Police

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A driver died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a traffic stop in a Fredericksburg parking lot on Sept. 17, according to police.

Around 9:45 p.m., an officer with the Fredericksburg Police Department initiated a traffic stop for improper registration, a FPD spokeswoman told Patch on Tuesday. The driver pulled into the parking lot of the Home Depot at 1201 Gateway Blvd.

"As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound," according to the incident report. "The vehicle then rolled forward, gained speed, and collided with the Home Depot building."

Officers immediately began administering lifesaving aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. The driver was taken to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead, according to police.

FPD contacted the driver's next of kin. No officers were injured in the incident.

"The investigation, which included body-worn camera footage, indicated that the suicide occurred prior to the officer making initial contact with the driver," the incident report said.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.