A burglary suspect is dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after state troopers responded to a reported west Nashville break-in.
A neighbor in the River Road Pike area alerted two Tennessee Highway Patrol officers, who were working a road construction project just before 8 a.m. Monday, of a possible home burglary near River Road Pike and Cub Creek Road.
When state trooper Charlie Caplinger — an eight-year veteran with the state police — responded to the scene, he got out of his car and heard a gunshot, according to Mike Browning, spokesman for the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Caplinger returned fire, but after trooper Michael Parker — a four-year veteran — responded for backup, the suspect was found dead behind some bushes with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Metro Nashville Police Department is heading the investigation into the burglary and the shooting. Members of the Highway Patrol are investigating the troopers’ response to the incident, which is common for officer-involved shootings.
Neighbors reported hearing breaking glass coming from the home where the suspect was found.
Traffic was being diverted around River Road while the police investigation continues.