Man crashes car into barricade near US Capitol, fires gun and fatally shoots himself, police say

2 years ago 578

Police identified the man as 29-year-old Richard A. York of Delaware. According to U.S. Capitol police, it's not clear why he chose to drive to the Capitol Complex.

WASHINGTON — A man died by suicide early Sunday morning after crashing his car into a barricade near the Capitol Building, firing several shots and then turning the gun on himself, Capitol Police said.

U.S. Capitol Police released the identity of the man as 29-year-old Richard A. York the 3rd of Delaware.

The incident happened just after 4 a.m. when a man drove his vehicle into a barricade at East Capitol Street and Second Street outside of the U.S. Capitol. When York got out of his car, it became "engulfed in flames," and he began firing several shots into the air, according to Capitol Police.

Officers immediately responded to the scene after hearing the sound of gunfire. Police say York turned the gun on himself when officers were approaching him, and fatally shot himself.

“At this time, it does not appear the man was targeting any members of Congress, who are on recess,” Capitol Police wrote in a statement. “It does not appear officers fired their weapon.”

Capitol police are investigating the man's background and what lead to the incident.

DC’s Metropolitan Police Department is handling the death investigation.

U.S. Capitol Police have confirmed the following roads have been reopened to the public as of 9 p.m.:

Intersection of 2nd Street, SE and East Capitol Street, NEConstitution Avenue, NE, between First and 2nd Streets, SEEast Capitol Street, NE, between First and 2nd Streets, SEIndependence Avenue, SE, between First Street and 2nd Street, SE

READ NEXT

Source: www.wusa9.com

Read Entire Article Source

To remove this article - Removal Request