Local
Mesa driver dies after hourslong standoff near Loop 202
A driver died by suicide Tuesday after Mesa officers spent hours trying to de-escalate a police encounter near the Loop 202 Red Mountain and Country Club Drive. Country Club Drive was closed for much of the day and has since reopened.
A driver died by suicide Tuesday after an hourslong police response near the Loop 202 Red Mountain and Country Club Drive in Mesa, police said.
Mesa officers tried to stop the driver shortly after 5 a.m. The driver pulled onto a side street just north of the freeway. As officers attempted to speak with him, he threatened to harm himself with a gun, according to police.
Officers worked throughout the day to de-escalate the situation. Around 6 p.m., police said they found the driver with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. His identity was not released in the available information.
The response closed Country Club Drive in both directions between McDowell Road and the Loop 202, disrupting traffic. The road has since reopened.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can call or text 988 to reach the 24-hour Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or use the online chat at 988lifeline.org.