MATTOON, Ill. (WAND) — Mattoon police say a man wanted for armed robbery shot and killed himself Friday when officers tried to make contact with him.
According to a news release, officers responded to the 1400 block of East Broadway Avenue after learning the man was reportedly in the area.
Police said he was wanted on an active warrant related to an armed robbery in Kalamazoo, Michigan.Â
Officers responded and found the suspect in the passenger seat of a vehicle in a hotel parking lot.
Police said officers told the man to get out of the vehicle, but he opened the door and told officers that he was going to shoot himself since he did not want to go back to prison.
According to police, the man closed the door and shot himself moments later.Â
He was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
Mattoon Police said no officers shot their guns during the encounter. Illinois State Police is conducting an independent investigation.
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