Suspect Reportedly Takes Own Life After Police Chase in Redding
REDDING, CA — “On April 11, 2026, at approximately 1:51 AM, Redding Police Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of Interstate 5 and Highway 299 (Lake Boulevard) on a vehicle for suspected DUI and Vehicle Code violations. The driver failed to yield, and a police chase continued northbound on I‑5 before looping back southbound in the Mountain Gate area and exiting into the City of Shasta Lake.
The pursuit ended on Cascade Boulevard near Shasta Dam Boulevard, where the vehicle stopped on the side of the roadway. The driver, a 62‑year‑old man, immediately exited the vehicle while holding a handgun and shot himself in the head. Officers rendered medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived, but the man was pronounced deceased at the scene. Three officers were present at the time of the shooting, along with a Police Cadet on a ride along. Two witnesses at a nearby gas station confirmed hearing one shot being fired. The handgun used by the male to shoot himself was collected as evidence.
The Shasta County Coroner’s Office responded, took custody of the deceased, and notified his next of kin. The Redding Police Department’s subsequent investigation revealed that the man was a suspect in a felony case and was aware that he was being investigated. That criminal matter is being handled by the Humboldt County Sherriff’s Office.
The identity of the deceased is not being released at this time to avoid jeopardizing the original agency’s ongoing investigation.
We thank the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol for their assistance with the scene. Redding Police Detectives are continuing to examine the events that led up to the shooting.”
