Police continue investigation of apparent suicide west of Ann Arbor
Update: EMU Police Chief Greg O'Dell mourned after his death at age 54
Police are still on the scene of what is believed to be a suicide off Huron River Drive in Scio Township this afternoon.
The victim, a 54-year-old Ann Arbor man, appears to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Washtenaw County sheriff's department said in a press release issued shortly after 4:30 p.m.
Several police cars, including at least one police dog team, left the scene on Huron River Drive west of Wagner Road. One officer appeared to be wiping tears from his eyes.
Police spent hours at the scene of the incident on Huron River Drive west of Wagner in Scio Township.
Washtenaw County sheriff’s department spokesman Derrick Jackson said earlier today police have a suicide note that was found at a home in the city.
The family immediately called police, who started a search for the person who wrote the note.
That person's vehicle was located on the edge of Huron River Drive shortly after 12:30 p.m. via OnStar, and the search for the person intensified, with officers from around the county called to assist. Ann Arbor police have also been gathering at a home on the west side of Ann Arbor.
Family notifications are under way, and will continue before officials disclose his identity, police said.
"We're still piecing together exactly what happened," Jackson said.
Huron River Drive was closed for some time, and police were turning away cars and blocking media access to the scene. Police remained on the scene by mid-afternoon.
Resources exist in Washtenaw County for people who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide. Anyone in that circumstance is urged to get immediate help.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
BhavanaJagat
Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 5:14 a.m.
Mental Health and Prevention of suicide: This incident reminds of the loss that I had experienced a long time ago while I had served at First Armoured Division of Indian Army. A Lieutenant Colonel, bachelor with a bright and promising career shot and killed himself at our Officers Mess early in the morning as we started arriving to commence our physical training session. We conduct frequent medical examinations, and he never dispalyed any signs of depression or any other mental health problem. A person can engage in suicidal thoughts, and they may not be known even to very close friends. For no apparent reason, some people entertain suicidal thoughts while leading very active, and productive lives. This officer worked at our Divisional headquarters and was in charge of our operational training. He had always enjoyed doing his job and there was not even a dull moment at any time to give a feeling of dissatisfaction in life. The problem of suicide has to be approached carefully and we need to reach people and give them a chance to get connected to a source of uplifting power. <a href="http://bhavanajagat.com/2010/11/29/mental-health-and-prevention-of-suicide/" rel='nofollow'>http://bhavanajagat.com/2010/11/29/mental-health-and-prevention-of-suicide/</a>
mannyredline
Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.
He did good work and my experiences with him were positive.
Diane
Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 10:04 p.m.
God Bless the family. Our prayers are with you.
Gordon
Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.
What was said this time? Something not appropiate, didn't fit the guideleines, and not adult.
justcurious
Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
Once again, my thoughts will be with the family of this man as well as the police officers involved. Please spend some extra time with those that may be feeling down. It is a terrible thing when someone is feeling hopeless, especially at this time of year.
KINGofSKA
Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 8:58 p.m.
I live in this area and this is the second time I can recall that this has happened in the past few years. It is truly a tragedy to ones self, and their families. God bless the ones who have been effected by this.
kilroy
Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 12:07 a.m.
effected?
Regularjoey
Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
For those who believe let's all pray for this person and for all those who are depressed. Life is a real struggle for some, especially around the holidays. If we know someone who is depressed or lonely now is a good time to reach out. Being a policeman or woman must be so hard and so sad sometimes...I pray for them too.
jns131
Sat, Dec 24, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
This is the third article in 3 days that I am reading this. Wow. Must be real bad out there to not call the hotline for help. Good luck to the family.