Authorities say a suspect who fled from law enforcement is dead in a suspected suicide that occurred Monday night.
The person’s name, gender and area of residence has not been released until next of kin are notified, according to a Tuesday Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Authorities report the driver of a Mercedes SUV — with no license plates — sped away after a traffic stop around 11:45 p.m. on Tennant Way in Longview, speeding over 100 mph on Interstate 5, eventually crashing near SummerWind Apartments, east of Kelso High School.
Authorities determined the suspect died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound when removing the driver from the SUV and sending the suspect to PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center.
The press release states authorities smelled alcohol and cannabis coming from the SUV, and found a stolen firearm in the vehicle. The driver was also not the registered owner.
