CLAY COUNTY, Ind – Monday (12/9/19) night around 9:45 pm a Deputy with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle in the Coalmont area for false and fictitious vehicle registration.  The male driver briefly came to a stop before driving off at a slow rate.  The slow speed pursuit lasted nearly 45 minutes and crossed through several jurisdictions.  The slower speeds gave other responding officers the opportunity to arrive and assist.

In rural North East Sullivan County, officers prepared stop sticks in an attempt to disable the vehicle.  Prior to hitting the stop sticks the driver came to a stop and a single gunshot was heard.  As officers took cover, and then realized the shot was not directed towards them and what they heard was a self-inflicted gunshot.

The driver was identified as 37-year-old William W. Ward.

He was taken to Regional Hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.