Police: Preliminary investigation shows suspect shot himself in the head

Police: Preliminary investigation shows suspect shot himself in the head

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Story Published: May 15, 2008 at 4:03 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 7:54 PM PDT

By KATU Web Staff

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PORTLAND, Ore. - A wanted man who died in an officer-involved shooting had shot himself in the head, according to a preliminary examination of the body by the medical examiner.

The Portland Police Bureau released the findings late Thursday afternoon, adding that investigators had not determined whether the suspect was also struck by a bullet or bullet fragment fired by a Portland police officer.  An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the exact cause of death.

The incident began around 6:30 a.m. Thursday while the Portland Police Bureau's Gang Enforcement Team was assisting federal agents in the execution of a federal warrant in the 12600 block of Southeast Holgate.

While clearing an outbuilding on the property, officers encountered a suspect wanted in connection with the warrant, 43-year-old Derek J. Coady. 

Coady was armed with a handgun.  Following is the Portland Police Bureau's account of what happened next:

Officers attempted to talk to Coady and instructed him to put down the weapon. As Coady began to duck behind the front of a parked vehicle on the property, which would have provided him with a vantage point to possibly shoot at officers, an officer discharged at least one round from his firearm. A short time later, officers heard a gunshot from the area where Coady was hiding. The Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) was activated, and they later discovered Coady deceased.

The investigation is continuing and police said the name of the officer involved in the shooting would not be released until Friday.

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