Baltimore police say man shot himself in custody

BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore police say a “very violent” attempted murder suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound while in police custody.

Police say the 38-year-old man was in a holding cell in the Southwestern District station house on Tuesday when he was escorted to the restroom, where he shot himself inside the stall. The gun was not police-issued, nor was it registered in Maryland.

Police say the man was affiliated with a gang, and had been shot days before his death. A search warrant was executed at a home connected to the man earlier Tuesday. Police confiscated a handgun.

Police spokesman Lt. John Kowalczyk said the department is investigating whether the man was searched before to being taken into custody.

The man’s name is being withheld until relatives can be notified.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up