Mattoon, Illinois – A man wanted on an armed robbery warrant died Friday after shooting himself during an encounter with officers in a hotel parking lot, according to local authorities. Police say no officers discharged their weapons during the incident, and an independent investigation is now underway.
Incident Overview
The situation unfolded in the 1400 block of East Broadway Avenue after officers with the Mattoon Police Department received information that a wanted suspect was believed to be in the area. The man was reportedly wanted on an active warrant connected to an armed robbery case out of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Officers responded to the location and located the suspect sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle parked in a hotel lot.
Timeline of Events
According to police, officers approached the vehicle and instructed the man to exit. At that point, authorities say the suspect opened the car door and told officers he intended to shoot himself because he did not want to return to prison.
Police reported that the man then closed the door and, moments later, shot himself inside the vehicle. Emergency medical assistance was immediately requested…