HELENA — Helena police say a man died Sunday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while he was being questioned by officers in Anchor Park.
Police say officers were patrolling the park when they met several homeless people. They say an officer ran an identity check on one man and found he had outstanding warrants in another jurisdiction.
According to a Helena Police Department spokesperson, when the officer told the man he had found the warrants, the man pulled out a gun and shot himself. They say the officer did not pull out or fire his own weapon, and that the officer’s body camera recorded what happened.
Authorities say officers called for emergency services and began giving aid, but the man succumbed to his injuries.
HPD says no officers were injured. They say the department is following their protocols and cooperating with other agencies.
Authorities are not releasing the man’s identity at this time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available around the clock. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 to be connected to trained professionals.
Editor's note: MTN does not typically report on individual deaths by suicide or situations that could be a death by suicide. We did so in this instance due to the nature of the event, the presence of Helena Police officers, and the public press release from the City of Helena.
