Domestic Violence Suspect Commits Suicide

01/06/2013

    According to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver, a domestic violence situation ended in an apparent suicide in Cedar Bluff on Saturday evening.  A call was received at approximately 3:00 p.m. from a woman reporting that her husband had struck her in the face with a handgun and had also shot at her.  Cedar Bluff Police responded to the residence on Summerplace Road.  After receiving information that the suspect inside was heavily armed and had made violent threats against law enforcement officers, Sheriff Shaver requested the assistance of the Etowah County Joint Special Operations Group, a unit comprised of officers of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, Gadsden Police Department, Gadsden Fire Department, and the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit. 

    All law enforcement agencies in Cherokee County responded to the location and attempted to evacuate surrounding homes and secure the area around the crime scene.  After an extended period of attempting to make contact with the suspect, a team of officers entered the residence and discovered the body of the 23 year old man who had apparently shot himself.  There were several weapons and a large quantity of ammunition in the house.  The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Broderick Smith.  Cedar Bluff Police Department is investigating the incident.