The Cheyenne Police Department in a news release Friday said it’s investigating an in-custody death that occurred on Sunday, Jan. 18.

Suspicious Vehicle Report

Public Information Officer Alex Farkas says it all started around 1:17 a.m., after officers were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of West 9th Street and Deming Drive and arrived to find a maroon pickup parked on the sidewalk.

“The truck appeared to have struck a guardrail before coming to rest off of the roadway in a grassy area,” said Farkas.

Farkas says officers then began searching the surrounding area for the driver.

“During their search, they observed a man running along Deming Drive,” said Farkas. “Officers contacted the individual, and through their investigation, learned he was the owner of the truck.”

Farkas says the man showed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking alcohol.

Man Arrested for DUI

“He was detained, and prior to handcuffing, officers removed a pocketknife from his front pocket,” said Farkas. “The man was then seated in a police car and transported back to the crash scene.”

Farkas says while the man was secured in the police car, officers briefly stepped away to assess the crash scene and prepared to begin a DUI investigation.

Man Takes His Own Life

“During this time, the man was able to move his handcuffed hands from behind his body to the front of his body and retrieve a concealed firearm from inside his pants,” said Farkas. “Upon return to the vehicle, officers discovered he used the firearm to take his own life.”

“This is a tremendous loss for the decedent’s family and loved ones,” said Chief Mark Francisco.

“Any in-custody death is a matter of deep concern for our department – this is never the intended outcome when officers respond to moments of crisis,” Francisco added. “Our officers approached this situation with patience and compassion, with the intent of helping the individual. We are thoroughly evaluating what occurred and will take appropriate steps based on that review.”

Help is Available

If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available.

You can call or text 988, or start a live chat at 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7, and reaching out can make a difference.

When should you use the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline?

If you are in doubt of reaching out, this might be your sign to just do it.

Gallery Credit: Aly