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BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WJHL) — In an early morning chase through Wise County, a man wanted for a suspected sexual assault in Ohio took his own life, authorities confirmed.
The Wise County & City of Norton Sheriff’s Office released a statement indicating they received an alert to be on the lookout for a suspect from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio. This individual was believed to be traveling along U.S. 23 near Big Stone Gap.
The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Kenneth Phillips, was reportedly driving a gray 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. Authorities noted that Phillips was potentially armed with several firearms and was described as possibly suicidal.
Deputies observed the vehicle drifting across lanes while heading south on US Highway 23, prompting an attempt to initiate a traffic stop, which escalated into a pursuit.
The chase concluded near Mountain Empire Community College’s entrance when law enforcement deployed spike strips to halt the vehicle.
“After the vehicle stopped, deputies heard a gunshot and determined the suspect had suffered a lethal self-inflicted gunshot wound,” the release states. “A firearm was recovered from between the driver’s seat and the suspect’s leg.”
The sexual assault allegations are being investigated by Ohio authorities. The Wise County & City of Norton Sheriff’s Office thanked the Norton, Wise and Big Stone Gap police departments for their assistance during the pursuit.