Man kills himself after Bayfield County traffic stop

A traffic stop Monday ended with the subject of the stop taking his own life according to a news release issued by the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department.

A deputy with the department conducted the traffic stop shortly after noon on U.S. Highway 2 and State Highway 137. The deputy stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation. After a brief conversation with the driver, the lone occupant of the vehicle, about the violation, the driver provided the deputy with his license.

The deputy returned to his car to check the status of the license and discovered there was an apprehension request or warrant for the driver’s arrest

The deputy approached the vehicle intending to take the driver into custody. The deputy explained to the driver that there was a warrant for his arrest.

The driver would not comply and exit his vehicle. The deputy noticed the driver reaching for what he believed was a handgun hidden near the driver’s seat. The deputy moved quickly to a defensive position while the vehicle driver fired the weapon into his own head.

The deputy reported shots fired and other law enforcement officers quickly responded. The first deputy along with responding officers removed the driver from the vehicle and provided first aid CPR.

Ashland Fire Department paramedics transported the driver to Memorial Medical Center in Ashland. He was pronounced dead shortly after hospital arrival.

The names of involved persons are being temporarily withheld pending completion of an investigation and notification of concerned parties.

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