NEW BEDFORD, Mass. —
A suspect in New Bedford, Massachusetts, died Thursday after the person fired at police and barricaded himself in a home, investigators said.
Police said officers attempted to stop a Jeep shortly after 7 p.m. on Blackmer Street. The driver, later identified as 39-year-old Derek Rego, of New Bedford, failed to stop, and he fired at police, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn.
The Jeep eventually came to a stop at the intersection of Blackmer Street and South Second Street. Rego fled into his residence at 153 Blackmer St. Police evacuated the area and attempted to negotiate with the suspect, who fired additional shots at officers, officials said.
Rego was later found dead in a stairwell inside the building suffering from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, officials said. Rego had no other injuries to his person and was found with a firearm resting on his abdomen.
A 3-year-old boy, who is a relative of Rego, was found unharmed in the Jeep.
Rego’s official cause of death is pending an autopsy by the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
“We ran out and went around the corner and we knew that somebody was either shot or whatever. To see something like this makes you scared because you don’t know what is going to erupt,” said Ivan Gonzalez.
No police officers were injured during the incident.
State Police and the Bristol County district attorney are leading the investigation.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, help is available. The National Suicide Crisis Lifeline is also available 24/7 by calling 988 or chat online here.