THPD: Suspect shoots himself in the head during standoff

UPDATE 12/11/17- The suspect, Ronald R. Norton Jr., 29, died just after 10 p.m. at the hospital last night, according to Assistant Chief Shawn Keen, of the Terre Haute Police Department.
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By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A Terre Haute Police Department standoff ended with a burglary suspect reportedly holding a pistol to his head for several hours before finally shooting himself.

Ronald R. Norton Jr., 29, shot himself in the head at a residence located at 18th and Chestnut Streets at about 9 p.m. and was transported to an area hospital by ambulance.

Public Information Officer Ryan Adamson said the shot was fired during negotiations with the suspect, during which he appeared to be cooperating with officers. Neighbors standing outside said they believed small children and the suspect's girlfriend were possibly inside the house during the four-hour standoff. They gasped when the gunshot was heard.  Some began crying as others started speculating aloud that the suspect had shot himself.

Adamson explained that THPD officers were dispatched to the area of Monterey and Ohio Streets in reference to a burglary call around 5 p.m.. A witness was able to describe the man.

"The suspect  was located in the area of 18th and Chestnut, at which time he pulled out a pistol and pointed it at his head," Adamson said tonight, adding that Norton also had three active felony warrants for burglary, criminal recklessness/possession of methamphetamine and  auto theft.  

The Special Response Team along with negotiators were called to the scene in an attempt to talk  Norton down.  
  
The investigation is continuing and more information will be provided when permitted.