Police arrest burglar after he accidentally shoots himself in the head while fleeing a break-in

According to police, The victim heard sounds coming from his home at the 8200 block of Mary Avenue Northwest in North Seattle before 7 AM, and found a burglar had broken into his garage.

As the victim approached his garage, he saw the masked suspect, who turned and fled. The victim picked up a broom and pursued the suspect, who ran to a van in a nearby parking lot.

As the suspect was getting into the van, he pointed a gun at the victim and told him to get back. When he saw the gun, the victim turned around, and heard a gunshot moments later. The suspect then sped away in the van.

According to police, the victim returned home and called 911. Officers arrived at the scene and shortly thereafter received a report that a man had arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his head. Law enforcement went to the hospital, and located the injured man was wearing the same clothing as the suspect in the earlier burglary.

Police believe the suspect accidentally fired his handgun while climbing into his van, striking himself in the head.

According to SPD, the suspect’s van was reported stolen and had been used in another crime outside of Seattle. Additionally, the suspect is also a convicted felon, and therefore unable to legally possess firearms.

Once the suspect receives treatment for his injuries, police will book him into the King County Jail for burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, felony harassment, and possession of a stolen vehicle.