Police chief: Superior robbery suspect shot self

A suspect reportedly held a gun to a woman’s head to get her car keys, then led Superior police on a high-speed chase before raising his weapon against officers late Friday afternoon.

Two officers fired at the suspect and hit him, but he also fired a shot under his own chin and died at the scene, according to Superior Police Chief Charles LaGesse.

The identity of the victim hadn’t been confirmed as of 10 p.m. Friday.

LaGesse released that information about an incident that started to unfold about 4:44 p.m. Friday at the Walgreen’s store at 2015 Tower Ave. LaGesse said more information will be available at a noon press conference today.

According to police:

Shots were reported to have been fired at the store, but that report turned out to be false. Officers learned that a male had pointed a handgun at the head of a female customer in the parking lot and demanded the keys to her vehicle. He was unable to start the car and ran back to a vehicle that he had arrived in and fled the scene. Witnesses provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle.

Officers found the suspect driving in the area of North 18th Street and Washington Avenue in Billings Park. They tried to stop the vehicle but the driver sped away. Police chased the vehicle to Winter Street and Birch Avenue, where the driver abandoned the car and ran.

Police said they confronted the suspect, who didn’t comply with repeated orders to drop his weapon. As he approached the rear of the Downtown Mobile Home Park, 409 N. 12th St., he turned toward the officers while raising his weapon.

Officers fired multiple rounds at the suspect until he fell to the ground and dropped the handgun. The Superior Fire Department and Gold Cross Ambulance EMTs attempted life saving measures at the scene, but the suspect died there.

Superior police and Douglas County sheriff’s evidence technicians processed the scene. The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation has been called in to assist with the investigation.

LaGesse said the identities of the involved officers will not be released until they’ve had time to discuss the experience with their families.

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