Suspect in Stolen Washington Vehicle Dies of Apparent Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound After Traffic Stop Standoff near ASU College Campus in Arizona

GUADALUPE/TEMPE, Ariz. (January 14, 2026) — A Wednesday morning traffic stop near Priest Drive and Baseline Road ended in tragedy when the driver of a stolen vehicle from Washington state died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a brief standoff with deputies, authorities said.

The incident began shortly before 9 a.m. at a Circle K gas station in the area of Priest Drive and Baseline Road, near the border of Guadalupe and Tempe. Two Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) deputies initiated what was intended as a routine traffic stop on a vehicle reported stolen out of Washington state, according to MCSO spokesman William Jinks.

As deputies approached the driver, the man allegedly brandished a firearm while remaining inside the vehicle. The deputies retreated to safety and called for backup, prompting a rapid response from additional MCSO units, including SWAT, crisis negotiators, a K-9 team, as well as assistance from Tempe Police Department officers and Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers.

Authorities issued multiple commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle. Less-lethal methods were deployed, and a K-9 was sent toward the car. A drone was also used to monitor the situation. During the standoff, a single gunshot was heard from inside the vehicle.

After the suspect failed to respond, deputies cautiously approached and discovered the man deceased from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers fired their weapons during the incident, and no other injuries were reported.

The suspect's identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin and further investigation. The vehicle remained at the Circle K, and the area saw a heavy law enforcement presence, including armored vehicles, throughout the morning.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation into the incident. Officials emphasized that the event stemmed from a stolen vehicle report and escalated quickly when the driver displayed a weapon.

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or in crisis is encouraged to reach out for help by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24/7.

This is a developing story, and authorities have not released additional details about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the vehicle's theft from Washington. Updates will be provided as they become available.

17GEN4.com