By Southern Torch Staff

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — From the Office of DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden: This morning, at approximately 8 am, a pursuit began in Fort Payne that ended in suicide on Bethel Road near Hammondville. 

The chase stemmed from a domestic incident that occurred last night in Fort Payne. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived. A Be-On-The-Lookout (BOLO) was issued for the suspect. 

At approximately 8 am this morning, the suspect was spotted by law enforcement on Hiawatha Drive in Fort Payne this morning. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect led officers and deputies on a chase to Hammondville.

The vehicle eventually stopped on Bethel Road. After a brief standoff with deputies and officers, the suspect committed suicide. 

Due to this case being a suicide and out of respect for the family, we will not be releasing the identity of the individual. 

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said: “We are deeply saddened by this incident. We ask the community to wrap this family with your support and prayers in this difficult time.” 

“I want to commend our deputies who were involved in this incident for performing their job with professionalism and compassion. Part of the weight of the badge is witnessing and dealing with unspeakable tragedy,” he said. 

“God Bless.” Concluded Sheriff Welden.