Law enforcement officials in Seattle arrested a burglar on Wednesday after he accidentally shot himself in the head while trying to flee the scene of a home that he allegedly broke into.
The incident happened early Wednesday morning when a resident heard noises coming from his garage, where he encountered the burglar.
“As the victim approached his garage, he saw the masked suspect, who turned and ran. The victim grabbed a broom and followed the suspect, who fled to a van in a nearby parking lot,” the Seattle Police Department said in a statement. “As the suspect was getting into the van, he pointed a gun at the victim and told him to get back. When he saw the gun, the victim turned around, and heard a gunshot moments later. The suspect in the van then sped away.”
After law enforcement arrived at the victim’s home, they received notification that a man had arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his head.
“Officers went to the hospital, found the injured man was wearing the same clothing as the suspect in the earlier burglary,” SPD added. “Police believe the suspect accidentally fired his handgun while climbing into his van, striking himself in the head. Officers also learned the suspect’s van was reported stolen and had been used in another crime outside of Seattle. Additionally, the suspect is also a convicted felon, unable to legally possess firearms.”
Authorities said that they expect to charge the suspect, after he is released from the hospital, for burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, felony harassment, and possession of a stolen vehicle.