CULLMAN, Ala. (WAFF) – Cullman police say a man identified as a person of interest in a Pennsylvania homicide died after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a police encounter Monday night.
According to the Cullman Police Department, officers received a BOLO around 10:36 p.m. June 1 for a maroon 2013 Toyota Avalon with a Pennsylvania plate. Police said the vehicle was occupied by Michael Boccia, who had been identified as a person of interest in a homicide reported earlier that day in Manheim Borough, Pennsylvania. Police said information indicated Boccia may have been in possession of a handgun.
A short time later, Sgt. Zane Pounders spotted a vehicle matching the description in the area of Northcrest Drive NW. Police said the car was backed into a parking space with its lights off and a man was inside.
Police said Pounders and other officers attempted to initiate a high-risk stop and gave commands for the occupant to exit. During the encounter, police said Boccia sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at an area hospital.
Cullman police said no officers fired their weapons. The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation was requested to conduct an independent investigation. Police said District Attorney Champ Crocker responded to the scene, and an autopsy has been ordered.
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