Man dies by suicide after East Bay police called to family disturbance

A man fatally shot himself after Antioch police officers were called to a family disturbance Thursday night, police said.

The 61-year-old man was not identified immediately. Contra Costa County’s protocol for a fatal incident involving law enforcement was underway Friday following the shooting.

Officers responded to a residence on Valley Way at 7:52 p.m., according to a statement from Antioch police Lt. John Fortner. He said the caller reported the man was a resident in the home, was armed with a gun and was suffering a mental health crisis.

The man left the house before police arrived, but several officers who responded to the area found him in the neighborhood, Fortner said. When patrol cars got behind the man’s vehicle, he pulled to the side of the road.

The man then got out of the car and shot himself, according to Fortner.

Fortner said officers called for an emergency medical response immediately, but the man died at the scene.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and crime scene investigators from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office are conducting investigations, along with the Antioch Police Department.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 800-273-8255. Those in crisis also can text TALK to 741741 or visit SpeakingofSuicide. com/resources for additional resources. Veterans and military members can call 800-273-8255 and press 1.